Untitled

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. A 'chabutra' (bird feeder), a common sight in the city, has been vandalized and it oozes pixelated blood that threatens to engulf the gallery. We are reminded that violence has lost its ability to repel as we become inured to images that we see daily on our TV screens and in other media.