Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal: Roots that Reach for the Sky
Exhibition
19 Apr 2025 -20 Jul 2025
22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
Description
Is identity something fixed, or an ever-evolving narrative woven together by the many threads of our experiences?
Initially exhibited as part of the Chennai Photo Biennale 2024-2025, for MAP this is the first ever group exhibition dedicated to contemporary photography and lens-based practices. Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal (translating to “Roots that Reach for the Sky”), curated by Jaisingh Nageswaran, brings together the works of twelve lens-based artists of Tamil origin who push the boundaries of photography and visual story telling.
Going against the type casting of a people from the same state and shared heritage, the exhibition explores the diversity of postcolonial Tamil identity and the multifaceted layers of an evolving and politically charged landscape. Through stories that range from the multiplicity and nuances of cultural intersections within Tamil Nadu, to an intimate tale of loss, kinship, and queer desire, as well as stories that include virtual interactions acting as lifelines that connect across cities, images acting as therapy for childhood traumas, and places as holders of memories and nostalgia, these twelve artists explore a gamut of emotions and narratives through their evocative work.
Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal offers a space to reflect upon the true nature of diversity in a world that often forces us into binaries. The exhibition gives the visitor an opportunity to rediscover the roots that allow them to soar into their own skies and collectively reimagine our past, present and future.
Featured Artists: Aishwarya Arumbakkam (Chennai), Alina Tiphagne (Madurai), Arun Karthick (Coimbatore), Brinda Anantharaman (Chennai), Krithika Sriram (Bengaluru), Osheen Siva (Goa), Priyadarshini Ravichandran (Chennai), Sathish Kumar (Chennai), Shankar Narayanan (Chennai), Sridhar Balasubramaniyam (Coimbatore), Steevez (Chennai), Vivek Mariappan (Chennai)
This exhibition is a project by Goethe-Institut Chennai and Chennai Photo Biennale.
(Image credit: Sridhar Balasubramaniyam)
Venue
22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
View MapTags
Terms and Conditions
This ticket is non-transferrable and non-refundable. Please refer to the museum policy for exceptions.
Please carry your relevant ID card with you to avail the discounted entry ticket (applicable to Senior Citizens, Defense Personnel, People with disabilities, 19-25 year old students).
The ticket you receive will entitle you to access the gallery/ies and event/s stated on the front of this ticket. It is valid only on the date stated on the front of the ticket.
During your visit you must retain your ticket safely for production on demand by our representative(s).
The Museum cannot refund any donations made at the time of purchasing the ticket.
Should you have any access requirements, please speak to a member of staff and they will be happy to assist.
Children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult within the Museum premises. Exceptions may only be made for specific closed-door programmes with pre-agreed terms and conditions.
If you are visiting the galleries, you agree to be bound by and to abide by our Visitor regulations, as stated here:
Backpacks and suitcases of any size are not allowed. Handbags and purses up to 40cm x 40cm are allowed.
Food and drinks are not allowed.
Please do not touch artworks, unless the label indicates it is a tactile response.
The use of charcoal, pastels, permanent markers and watercolour or oil paint is not allowed.
The use of flash, camera supports and selfie sticks is not permitted.
Filming and photography with professional equipment requires prior written consent from the Museum management.
Please only photograph or film people with their consent.
Pets are not allowed in the galleries, with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired.