The Barbican Centre in London hosts an exhibition titled “The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998,” curated by Shanay Jhaveri. This exhibit explores the relationship between the Indian state and its citizens, featuring 150 multi-media artworks from nearly 30 artists reflecting India’s tumultuous socio-political landscape. It covers significant themes like urbanisation, indigenous culture, communal violence, and queer desires, set against pivotal events such as the Emergency of 1975 and the nuclear tests of 1998. Iconic pieces include Gulammohammed Sheikh’s haunting “Speechless City” and Nalini Malani’s multimedia work “Remembering Toba Tek Singh,” which together encapsulate the struggles and complexities of contemporary Indian identity. The exhibition also aims to provoke reflection on the ongoing challenges in society, resonating both historically and in today’s context.

The exhibition features artworks from a period of significant change in India, between 1975 and 1998. This era was marked by political upheaval, cultural transformations, and social movements. Curated for the first time at this scale, the exhibition highlights how artists addressed pressing issues such as urbanisation, communal tensions, and gender rights, creating a dialogue about the citizen-state relationship through diverse artistic forms.

In summation, “The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998” is a groundbreaking exhibition that not only showcases essential works of Indian art but also invites critical discussions on the state-citizen dynamic in India. Through diverse art forms and themes, it challenges viewers to consider the complexities of identity and belonging in contemporary society, revealing ongoing socio-political issues.

Original Source: www.harpersbazaar.in

The post Exploring State and Citizen Dynamics at Barbican’s Indian Art Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.