The Imaginary Institution of India
The Imaginary Institution of India: Why We Love It and Why You Will Too
If you're looking for an art experience that inspires, educates, and moves you, The Imaginary Institution of India at the Barbican Centre is not to be missed. This landmark exhibition dives into one of India's most transformative periods, presenting a multi-dimensional reflection of history, culture, and identity through the eyes of some of the most renowned Indian artists.
What's the Exhibition About?
Bookended by two pivotal moments in India's modern history—Gandhi's declaration of the State of Emergency in 1975 and the Pokhran Nuclear Tests in 1998—The Imaginary Institution of India explores a time of rapid urbanisation, economic instability, and social upheaval.
Featuring nearly 150 works of art in painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and film, the exhibition highlights how 30+ artists captured the turbulence of this era while reflecting on moments of intimacy, community, and resilience. Themes like gender, sexuality, caste, religion, sexuality, urbanisation, and protest are woven into the works on display.
This is a rare opportunity to see works by iconic artists, many of which are being exhibited in the UK for the first time. Participating artists include:
Pablo Bartholomew, Jyoti Bhatt, Rameshwar Broota, Sheba Chhachhi, Anita Dube, Sheela Gowda, Sunil Gupta, Safdar Hashmi, M. F. Husain, Rummana Hussain, Jitish Kallat, Bhupen Khakhar, K. P. Krishnakumar, Nalini Malani, Tyeb Mehta, Meera Mukherjee, Madhvi Parekh, Navjot Altaf, Gieve Patel, Sudhir Patwardhan, C. K. Rajan, N. N. Rimzon, Savindra Sawarkar, Himmat Shah, Gulammohammed Sheikh, Nilima Sheikh, Arpita Singh, Jangarh Singh Shyam, Vivan Sundaram and J. Swaminathan.
Why We Love It
This exhibition left a lasting impression on us, and here's why we think it will do the same for you:
Challenges perspectives: The works delve deep into powerful themes like resilience, love, protest, and identity, encouraging you to see the world through a different lens.
Celebrates diversity: With over 30 featured artists, each piece tells a unique and personal story that resonates with history and humanity.
Showcases unseen pieces: Many pieces are being exhibited in the UK for the first time, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness their brilliance.
Sparks reflection: Reminds us that art is not only a document of the past but also a mirror to the present, sparking meaningful conversations about the intersections of history, culture, and personal identity.
Special Thanks to Priya Saujani
Shoutout to Other Box Community member Priya Saujani, Art Gallery Manager at Barbican Centre. She gave us an exclusive exhibition tour, providing invaluable insights into the works and artists, and extended a generous discounted ticket offer for our community.
How to Visit
📍 Location: Barbican Centre, London
🗓️ Dates: On now until Sunday, 5 January 2025
🎟️ Special Offer for the Other Box Community–See our latest post here for the discount code to use when booking - but act fast. This offer is limited to just 40 tickets!
Tell Us Why YOU Love It
We'd love to hear from you!
Did a particular artwork resonate with you?
Was there a theme or perspective that stayed with you long after your visit?
Did you discover a new favourite artist?
Drop your thoughts on the Instagram post or tag us on Instagram to share your experience with the Other Box community.
