ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Chitra Ganesh's 'Journey to the Great Below' at Baltic Centre

exhibition · 2026-08-01

Chitra Ganesh's solo exhibition titled 'Journey to the Great Below' commenced at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on July 4, 2026, and will continue until January 15, 2027. The highlight of the exhibition is an animated piece that reinterprets the Mesopotamian tale of Inanna's journey into the underworld. This animation distinguishes itself with its dynamic portrayal of Inanna preparing for her descent into Ereshkigal's realm, where she forfeits her royal attire. Following her demise, Enki creates winged beings to save her, yet she opts for her spouse to take her place. The exhibition also features the sculpture 'Descent' (2026) and critiques museological preservation, positioning Inanna as an advocate for transgender rights. Review by Chloe Chu, a London-based art writer.

Key facts

  • Exhibition runs from July 4, 2026 to January 15, 2027
  • Venue: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
  • Centerpiece is the animation 'Journey to the Great Below' (2026)
  • Animation retells the Mesopotamian myth of Inanna's descent to the underworld
  • Inanna is stripped of her regalia at each gate of hell
  • God Enki fashions winged creatures from nail filings to rescue Inanna
  • Inanna chooses her husband to take her place in the underworld
  • Animation uses collage technique, mixing hand-drawn elements, watercolor, and photographs of artifacts

Entities

Artists

  • Chitra Ganesh
  • Chloe Chu

Institutions

  • Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Locations

  • Gateshead
  • United Kingdom

Sources