T Venkanna's First Institutional Solo Show Explodes with Carnal Imagery
Indian painter T Venkanna's first institutional solo exhibition features an altarpiece shaped like a phallus, flanked by Adam and Eve, and populated with explicit sexual scenes. The artist, son of a Hindu priest, argues that his orgasmic imagery offers a way to reconsider religious myths. The work incorporates stone figures reminiscent of Hindu deities and a topiary lingam, blending sacred and profane. Venkanna's kaleidoscopic style makes Hieronymus Bosch appear restrained.
Key facts
- T Venkanna is an Indian painter and son of a Hindu priest.
- The exhibition is his first institutional solo show.
- The central altarpiece is shaped like a juvenile penis drawing.
- Adam and Eve appear at the bottom with their backs turned.
- Scenes include copulation with animal hindquarters and pleasure by nose.
- Stone figures of Hindu gods and goddesses are scattered in the work.
- Women worship a topiary lingam in the painting.
- Venkanna says the work is a way to consider the myth of religions.
Entities
Artists
- T Venkanna
- Hieronymus Bosch