One of the artworks on display.
Credit: Special Arrangement
The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) is hosting a three-month-long photography and lens-based art exhibition.
Titled ‘Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal’, the show features 12 Tamil-origin artists. Aishwarya Arumbakkam from Chennai, Alina Tiphagne from Madurai, Arun Karthick from Coimbatore, and Krithika Sriram from Bengaluru are among them.
The exhibition aims to push the boundaries of storytelling through photography, says curator Jaisingh Nageswaran. “Be it Tamil literature or music, our culture is widely known across the globe. It has been extensively documented. However, this isn’t the case when it comes to photography. We have some great lens-based artists in the state, but they have not received the same push. That’s what we are trying to change with this exhibition,” he explains. The exhibition was initially on display at the Chennai Photo Biennale 2024-2025.
‘Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal’ explores a variety of themes – from domestic abuse to resistance. ‘Palakural’ by Osheen Siva is an immersive audiovisual installation exploring Tamil identity. It features the parai, a traditional percussion instrument primarily used in Tamil Nadu.
Aishwarya Arumabakkam is behind the installation titled ‘Like rainclouds moving between branches of lightning’. It features a series of portraits revolving around human hair. Speaking about her choice of subject, she says, “I derive great pleasure in visually consuming its texture, movement, mood, and physicality.”
On view until July 20, 10 am to 6 pm, at MAP, Kasturba Road. For details, visit map-india.org