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 Origins of Mumbai Gallery, among panoramas of lazy 19th century streets, a beautifully carved chair, redolent with colonial ceremony, bleeds even as its neon sign incongruously advertises 'SCAR'.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.