Works by international artist allegedly vandalised in Kochi

The works of an international artist, exhibited in the ongoing exhibition jointly organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Kerala Lalithakala Akademi at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery, were allegedly destroyed by a group led by a local artist on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025.

It was reported that six works of Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar, living in Oslo, Norway, included in the ‘Foreign Geographies’ exhibition curated by Anushka Rajendran and Damian Christinger, were destroyed by PH Hochimin and his friends. The act of vandalism was allegedly livestreamed via a Facebook account.

Since the exhibition opened on October 18, a section of local artists have raised objections, claiming that Ms. Benammar’s works are obscene and that the Malayalam translation of her work “Go Eat Your Dad” – slurs printed on linoleum and displayed alongside the work – amounts to harassment. According to the statement accompanying the work, the artist aimed to highlight racist, nationalist and xenophobic expressions directed at him both on and offline. Taken offline by far-right groups in Norway. Ms. Benammar reportedly faced similar reactions at other venues, though not acts of vandalism.

Kerala Lalithakala Academy President Murali Cheeroth condemned the incident and termed it as an expression of intolerance. “Disagreements can be expressed, but not through vandalism. The damaged works have monetary value and this value is yet to be determined. The academy has filed a petition with the Kochi City police and the artist will submit a separate petition on Thursday,” he said.

The exhibition, featuring works by artists from Kerala as well as France, Norway and Switzerland, will continue until November 15.