Works by Algerian-French artist vandalised at Kochi art gallery after ‘obscenity’ allegations

Several works by Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar were vandalised allegedly by two other artists during an ongoing exhibition at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kerala’s Kochi on Wednesday evening, The Indian Express reported.

Kochi-based sculptor PH Hochimin and his associate Sudamshu alleged that Benammar’s works were obscene and destroyed several linocut graphic prints around 6.30 pm on Wednesday, just as the gallery was closing.

Only two people were present in the premises at the time of the vandalism, the newspaper reported.

The artworks were part of an international exhibition that opened on October 18, titled “Estranged Geographies”. It is jointly organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, and curated by Anushka Rajendran and Damian Christinger.

The vandalism was reportedly live-streamed on Facebook, The New Indian Express reported.

The vandalism followed objections from a section of Kerala-based artists who claimed that Benammar’s work “Go Eat Your Dad” – a series of insults printed on linocuts – used “crude and offensive” language in its Malayalam translation, The New Indian Express reported.

Bennamar’s note that accompanied the artwork said the work sought to highlight racist, nationalist and xenophobic remarks that far-right groups in Norway had directed at her, The Hindu reported.

In response to the incident, Bennamar said: “The offended got outraged. Big win for the artist.”

Murali Cheeroth, chairperson of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi,...

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