Indian-Canadian artist, curator, and writer Swapnaa Tamhane has been named to the longlist for the 2025 Sobey Art Award, one of Canada’s most prestigious honors in contemporary art. This recognition places her among 30 trailblazing artists from across six regions of Canada, all in contention for the $100,000 top prize. The Sobey Art Award is widely known for celebrating creativity and innovation in Canadian visual arts, and Tamhane’s inclusion signals her rising influence in the national and global art scene.
A Practice Rooted in Cultural Reclamation
Born in Toronto and currently based in Montreal, Tamhane’s practice spans visual art, curation, and writing. Her work confronts colonial legacies by reclaiming and recontextualizing traditional South Asian craft techniques such as block printing and embroidery. She often collaborates with artisan-designers in Kutch, Gujarat, infusing her installations with a deeply personal and political narrative that bridges contemporary aesthetics with ancestral knowledge.
Bridging Histories Through Textile Art
Tamhane’s immersive installations reimagine traditional textile formats like tents and tapestries. Her “Mobile Palace” series, inspired by Mughal and Ottoman traveling tents, transforms these structures into powerful artistic statements that challenge the perceived hierarchies between art and craft. In another project, she explores the history of jute production in Bengal during the colonial era, shedding light on the lives of laborers and the impact of imperial industrialization.
Through her thoughtful layering of material, memory, and meaning, Tamhane invites viewers to reconsider the narratives embedded in everyday objects and inherited cultural practices.
Academic and Curatorial Achievements
Tamhane is as accomplished in academia as she is in the studio. She holds advanced degrees in contemporary art, textile practices, and art history, and her scholarly work supports her creative endeavors. In addition to her visual art practice, she has contributed to curatorial research and published critical writings on design and aesthetics. Her co-authored book on Indian design showcases her commitment to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage through multiple mediums.
Looking Ahead
The six shortlisted artists for the 2025 Sobey Art Award will be announced in June, with each receiving $25,000 and their work showcased at the National Gallery of Canada in the fall. All longlisted artists receive a $10,000 prize. This year’s longlist not only celebrates Tamhane’s exceptional talent but also highlights a growing appreciation for diverse voices and perspectives in Canadian contemporary art.
Tamhane’s nomination marks a significant milestone in her career, amplifying her voice in global discussions around identity, tradition, and the future of textile-based contemporary art.