Royal Academy Exhibition Draws Criticism for Presentation of Mrinalini Mukherjee’s Work
A new exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, “A Story of South Asian Art,” is facing criticism for its presentation of the work of the late Indian artist Mrinalini Mukherjee, with some observers suggesting the display diminishes her impact by surrounding it with less compelling pieces.
Mukherjee, born in Mumbai in 1949 and who died in 2015, is known for her large-scale sculptures crafted from tightly woven, intensely colored natural fibers. Her 1985 work, Pakshi, described as a “monster” with “feathery flanks and floppy wings,” exemplifies her hallucinatory and surreal response to the Indian landscape. Critics argue the exhibition’s attempt to contextualize Mukherjee within a “constellation of mentors, friends and family” detracts from the power of her individual artistic vision. The exhibition aims to trace a century of South Asian art, but some feel it lacks a cohesive narrative.
The exhibition includes works by Mukherjee’s parents, artists Benode Behari Mukherjee and Leela Mukherjee, and explores potential influences on her style. Benode Behari Mukherjee’s Matisse-like collages are noted for their vibrant color, potentially stemming from his visual impairment, while Leela Mukherjee’s carved wooden figures possess a “chunky totemic energy.” However, the inclusion of works by Mukherjee’s contemporaries is seen by some as diluting the impact of her sculptures, which draw on ancient Indian art traditions – including representations of deities like Shiva – and explore themes of desire and dread. Mukherjee’s work is increasingly recognized internationally, with pieces like Night Bloom II, held by the British Museum, demonstrating a unique blend of spiritual calm and sensual violence. You can learn more about Indian art history at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.
The debate surrounding the exhibition highlights the challenges of presenting modern and contemporary art within a historical framework. The Royal Academy’s decision to showcase Mukherjee alongside other artists, while intended to provide context, has instead led to accusations of stifling her artistic voice. This exhibition comes as Mukherjee’s work gains increasing prominence in global art circles, influencing a new generation of artists.
Royal Academy officials have not yet responded to the criticism, but stated yesterday that they will continue to evaluate visitor feedback throughout the exhibition’s run.
