Vandalized Artwork Fuels Censorship Debate in Kerala's Art Community

On October 25, 2025, tensions flared at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, Kerala, after a group led by artist Hochimin PH allegedly vandalized the artworks on display at the ongoing international exhibition 'Estranged Geographies.' The vandalized work, titled 'Go Eat Your Dad,' featured a collection of insults gathered from members of Norwegian society that the artist, Hanan Benammar, had translated into Malayalam.

Benammar, a French-Algerian artist based in Oslo, Norway, expressed concern over the incident's impact on young women artists in Kerala. She stated that destroying art is not the way to support women artists, whether they are from Kerala or abroad. Benammar, who is known for her conceptual work engaging with geopolitical, environmental, and social themes, said she was aware that her art might provoke strong reactions.

Despite the controversy, the damaged artworks remain on display, turning the space into a site of reflection on censorship and expression. The video live-streamed by those who vandalized the act has also become part of the presentation, further adding to the narrative. Benammar said she was touched by the solidarity shown by Kerala's artistic community and that the support she received after the incident was heartwarming.