Artists at NGMA show linked to Modi's radio program amid political tensions
The National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi has launched the exhibition 'Jana Shakti: A Collective Power,' curated by Alka Pande. This showcase includes works from artists such as Atul Dodiya, Vibha Galhotra, Riyas Komu, Ashim Purkayastha, G R Iranna, Thukral & Tagra, Manjunath Kamath, and Jagannath Panda. The texts accompanying the artworks were modified to reflect themes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat,' which celebrated its 100th episode in April 2024. Critics like Pushpamala N expressed concerns that artists may be pursuing government commissions. In July 2024, Dr. Sandip K Luis was dismissed for voicing criticism of the exhibition, leading to support from fellow artists. In protest, Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam canceled his retrospective, underscoring the conflict between artistic freedom and political influence.
Key facts
- The exhibition 'Jana Shakti: A Collective Power' opened at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
- Curator Alka Pande organized the show with artists including Atul Dodiya, Vibha Galhotra, and Thukral & Tagra.
- Texts for existing works were tweaked to reference themes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio program 'Mann ki Baat'.
- Modi's program reached 100 episodes in April 2024, commemorated with events and mandatory attendance in some institutions.
- Kiran Nadar of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art advised on the exhibition.
- Dr Sandip K Luis was fired from KNMA in July 2024 for criticizing the show on Facebook.
- Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam withdrew his KNMA retrospective in protest.
- Critics speculate artists may seek government commissions or Venice Biennale participation.
Entities
Artists
- Atul Dodiya
- Vibha Galhotra
- Riyas Komu
- Ashim Purkayastha
- G R Iranna
- Jiten Thukral
- Sumir Tagra
- Manjunath Kamath
- Jagannath Panda
- Pushpamala N
- Shahidul Alam
- Narendra Modi
- Alka Pande
- Kiran Nadar
- Dr Sandip K Luis
- Deepa Bhasthi
Institutions
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
- Indian Cultural Forum
- Venice Biennale
- Bharatiya Janata Party
- ArtReview
Locations
- New Delhi
- India
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Himalayas
- Manipur
- Kodagu
- Bangladesh
- Venice