Exploring India’s Transformative Years
The Imaginary Institution of India. This groundbreaking exhibition brought together the work of over 30 renowned Indian artists, each responding to the nation’s dynamic cultural and political landscape between 1975 and 1998. Spanning transformative events such as Indira Gandhi’s declaration of a state of emergency in 1975 and the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, the exhibition captured the spirit of a country navigating rapid urbanisation, social upheaval, and economic challenges.
Featuring iconic figures such as Pablo Bartholomew, Jyoti Bhatt, Rameshwar Broota, Sheba Chhachhi, and M.F. Husain, the exhibition highlighted an era of remarkable creativity. Artworks on display ranged across a variety of media, addressing themes such as love, family, religion, caste, community, protest, and violence. These creations reflected both the deeply personal and the profoundly political, offering intimate perspectives on a turbulent time.
From the vivid paintings of Tyeb Mehta and Arpita Singh to the evocative installations of Nalini Malani and Vivan Sundaram, each piece served as a testament to the resilience of artistic expression amidst societal change. Bhupen Khakhar’s poignant depictions of everyday life, Jangarh Singh Shyam’s rich visual narratives, and Sudhir Patwardhan’s striking urban landscapes provided glimpses into diverse lived experiences across India.
This was the first institutional exhibition to comprehensively explore this critical period, presenting works by artists such as Sheela Gowda, Sunil Gupta, Rummana Hussain, and J. Swaminathan, many of which were shown in the UK for the first time. The inclusion of politically engaged figures like Safdar Hashmi and socially conscious artists like Savi Sawarkar underscored the depth of engagement with the issues of the time.
Through the interplay of historical narratives and personal stories, the exhibition illuminated the role of art in shaping and reflecting societal shifts. It celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of artists such as Himmat Shah, Madhvi Parekh, Nilima Sheikh, and Jitish Kallat, whose works continue to inspire and resonate.
The Imaginary Institution of India. This landmark exhibition was not only a tribute to the transformative years of modern India but also a testament to the enduring power of art as a medium of documentation, critique, and hope.
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