The exhibition is the first of a series of curated exhibitions titled ‘Engaging Traditions’, which invites artists to respond to the Museum’s collection, history and archives. Shetty's work questions the premise of the Museum, any museum, its existence and the aura of authority it exudes. Shetty’s art offers a subtle critique on the idea of the ‘Museum object’ as objects that were once markers of high taste or imbued with the sanctity of ritual, are now no longer relevant except as a “memory bank” as their meaning has been voided both in terms of use and symbol. Each artwork in the show is a staged event flaunting its moment of truth and glory. “It's the dystopia of the city where the tenses are confused and the unreal becomes real” says Shetty. In the central room of the Special Exhibitions Gallery, a magnificent oversized cage reminiscent of a palatial entrance entices the viewer with its scale and beauty. Carved on either side is the mythical tree of life. The entrance beckons while a sword swings menacingly in its recesses, like a pendulum slicing time.
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