ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Nicky Chandam's Chennai exhibition documents Manipur's performance politics

exhibition · 2026-05-28

Manipur-based photographer Nicky Chandam is presenting a photography exhibition in Chennai that delves into the world of stage performances in the conflict-affected region. The exhibition captures fleeting emotions and narratives unfolding during theatrical productions, highlighting the intersection of art and politics in Manipur. Through her lens, Chandam documents how performance becomes a medium for expressing resistance, identity, and the lived realities of a region marked by ethnic violence and political unrest. The show offers viewers an intimate look at the performers' expressions and the stories behind the scenes, emphasizing the role of visual documentation in preserving and interpreting cultural practices amid conflict. Chandam's work underscores the power of photography to reveal the subtle politics embedded in artistic expression.

Key facts

  • Nicky Chandam is a Manipur-based photographer.
  • The exhibition is held in Chennai.
  • The show focuses on stage performances in Manipur.
  • It documents fleeting emotions and stories from performances.
  • The work explores the politics of performance in a conflict zone.
  • Manipur has experienced ethnic violence and political unrest.
  • Photography is used as a tool for cultural documentation.
  • The exhibition highlights the intersection of art and politics.

Entities

Artists

  • Nicky Chandam

Locations

  • Manipur
  • Chennai

Sources