Police Censor Interactive Artwork at India Art Fair Over Protest References

On Sunday, police intervened to close an interactive art installation at the India Art Fair in Delhi, igniting a debate over censorship. The installation, created by artists Gargi Chandola and Jefrey Yaman under the Post-Art Project, was presented by the Italian Embassy Culture Centre. Authorities asserted that the artwork related to ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which was enacted in December and provides Indian citizenship to migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while excluding Muslims. Social media captured the police's inspection of the installation, which showcased works by various female artists. Chandola explained to Artnet News that the intent was to promote solidarity among women of all backgrounds, rather than to comment on the protests. The artists noted on Instagram that curator Myna Mukherjee attempted to negotiate with police, but the fair's officials ultimately decided to shut down the project. Chandola and Yaman characterized the event as a form of intimidation, emphasizing that restrictions on expression now affect speech, attire, and peaceful creativity. The fair emerged as a battleground for discussions on artistic freedom amidst rising political tensions.