Major contemporary Indian artists to work in Delhi jail

High-profile participants include T.V. Santosh and G.R. Iranna

By Lucian Harris | Web only
Published online 23 Jul 09 (News)

Delhi. Delhi’s once notorious Tihar jail has played host to some of India’s best known contemporary artists as part of an initiative to use art as a way to stimulate young inmates. Devised by the Ramchander Nath Foundation (RNF) and the Ojas Art consultancy, the project has provided art workshops and training focused on rehabilitation.

Visits to the jail have been arranged for 36 artists from all over the country, including many high-profile contemporary practitioners. Notable participants include Rameshwar Broota, T.V. Santosh, Jagannath Panda, Bose Krishnamachari, Baiju Parthan, Riyas Komu, and G.R. Iranna. All have agreed to donate a work of art, with the entire selection set to go on show in an exhibition at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Art in Delhi (12 August-2 September), curated by RNF project director Anubhav Nath and critic Johnny M.L.

The event will also coincide with the launch of a film about the project and the publication of a catalogue, with profits from sales going towards further funding of rehabilitation programmes at the jail.

The project has received the backing of Dr Kiran Bedi, the former Inspector General of Prisons, whose work focusing on yoga, meditation, literacy and drug treatment was responsible for transforming the infamous jail into a progressive institution sometimes referred to as the “Tihar Ashram”.