"Bollywood Satirized: Works by Annu Palakunnathu Matthew"
2001-12-10 until 2001-12-30
Gallery Sumukha
Bangalore, , IN India

The Artist states that: The digital portfolio, Bollywood Satirized, is a critical commentary on the societal expectations that I experienced as a woman growing up in India. To create this work, I start with Indian movie posters, a reflection of the popular culture and the melodrama of Indian life. The visual and aural presence of cinema in India is the result of the largest commercial film industry in the world that produces close to one thousand movies a year. Most of the film industry is concentrated in Bombay, which is also called 'Bollywood'.

Using digital technology to alter the Indian movie posters, I re-interpret the images to make blatantly satirical commentary and humorously challenge traditional gender roles and behavior in Indian society based on my experiences. The final images include myself, other imagery and text from other sources. As Deborah Frizzell in NY Arts 2001 wrote 'The sensual, seductive medium of mass produced Indian movie posters of banal musicals are manipulated to send messages about the construction of feminine and racial roles by a patriarchal society'.

Gallery Sumukha, begun in 1996 by art lover and collector Premilla Baid, is committed to increasing art awareness. Apart from offering a wide selection of works in various media by different artists, the gallery is working towards an expansion of the awareness of Indian Contemporary Art beyond the boundaries of India. In this context, Sumukha has already taken exhibitions and workshops to Nepal, the UK and USA. The gallery houses a vast number of works from India and abroad. Plans are also underway to initiate scholarships and other encouragements for up-coming younger artists with the overall view of strengthening and promoting art awareness and appreciation.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for India

Other Important Exhibitions in India