Mirrors: Distance Between Worlds, an exhibition featuring diaspora artists Shana Sood and Yolanda Peña Mazzoni, opened at Bikaner House in New Delhi to an enthusiastic response from art lovers, collectors, curators, artists and members of the cultural fraternity. Curated by art critic and curator Georgina Maddox, the exhibition sparked conversations around migration, memory, identity and cultural belonging.Bringing together two artists from different cultural backgrounds, the exhibition presented a visual dialogue between Indian-born, US-based artist Shana Sood and Cuban-born, US-based artist Yolanda Peña Mazzoni. Through realist paintings, the show explored how personal histories, heritage and womanhood intersect across continents, highlighting both the differences and shared emotional experiences of the Indian and Cuban diasporas.
The exhibition brought together US-based artist Shana Sood and Cuban-born, US-based artist Yolanda Peña Mazzoni
Shana Sood’s paintings drew from her Indian roots, portraying women with strength, dignity and emotional depth. Rich in colour and symbolism, her works reflected the experience of living between two worlds while holding on to memories of India. “My work reflects a longing that is both personal and collective,” Sood said. “It expresses the duality of identity as someone who lives in the USA but carries a vivid vision of India.”Yolanda Peña Mazzoni’s works centred on human connection, documenting the relationships, places and moments that shaped individual identity. Through intimate compositions, she explored the emotional landscapes created by migration and belonging. “Painting gives me a way to document my life,” Mazzoni said. “It helps me understand what truly matters.”Speaking about the exhibition, curator Georgina Maddox said, “The exhibition explored the subtle cultural interplay between two women artists who, despite growing up in different parts of the world, were united by shared questions of identity, memory and belonging. Their works created a visual conversation that bridged countries, generations and lived experiences.”Mirrors: Distance Between Worlds reflected the layered realities of diaspora life, highlighting both cultural contrasts and shared human emotions. The exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to experience two distinct artistic voices brought together through themes of migration, resilience, womanhood and the search for home.
