Mumbai has perhaps never before seen the work of so many leading British artists under one roof. At an ongoing exhibition titled Homelands, works by four Turner Prize winners (Jeremy Deller, Richard Long, Grayson Perry and Gillian Wearing) and four nominees for the most-publicised art award in UK (Mona Hatoum, Langland & Bell’s, George Shaw and Cornelia Parker) are on display.
There’s also a photograph by World Press Photo 2007 winner, Tim Hetherington, among the 80-plus works by 28 modern and contemporary artists. Currently on a four-city tour of India, Homelands is in Mumbai after successful showings in New Delhi and Kolkata, after which it will travel to Bengaluru. The show is curated by Latika Gupta, who drew from the British Council’s expansive collection of modern and contemporary art.
“Most of these artists are leading names in the contemporary world. I was familiar with most of them, but it was a revelation to see some unusual work from early in their careers and some that were commissioned for specific projects and exhibitions,” says Gupta, who drew her theme of homelands after viewing the collection.
Her favourite works include Susan Hiller’s Last Silent Movie, which has 23 etchings and a video, Mona Hatoum’s + and -, a kinetic sculpture, Jeremy Deller’s Acid Brass and Langland & Bell’s Enclosure and Identity. However, she’s quick to explain that these aren’t exactly the artists’ portrayals of homelands. “The exhibition and the choice of works is just my response to how these works relate to the theme, and they question the notions that make up a homeland,” she says.
{{/usCountry}}Her favourite works include Susan Hiller’s Last Silent Movie, which has 23 etchings and a video, Mona Hatoum’s + and -, a kinetic sculpture, Jeremy Deller’s Acid Brass and Langland & Bell’s Enclosure and Identity. However, she’s quick to explain that these aren’t exactly the artists’ portrayals of homelands. “The exhibition and the choice of works is just my response to how these works relate to the theme, and they question the notions that make up a homeland,” she says.
{{/usCountry}}Homelands is on display at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla, till June 9. Visit between 10 am and 5.30 pm except on Wednesdays and certain public holidays.