Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Mumbai Artist and Curator Face Case Over Painting
An artist and gallery curator in Mumbai are in trouble with the police.
They displayed a painting called "Union for Peace" that a person found offensive.
The police case is related to the painting’s content and the fact that the gallery didn't stop children from seeing it.
The artist said the painting shows a woman fighting against sexual violence and is not about religion.
The gallery had warnings on their website to use discretion and stated that entry was by invitation only and for adults only.
Mumbai Police filed a case against artist T Venkanna and curator Abhay Maskara.
The case is related to an allegedly objectionable painting displayed at Gallery Maskara.
The exhibit, "The Human Theatre," featured the painting "Union for Peace".
The complainant claimed that the gallery staff locked themselves in rooms when asked about the painting.
The charges include sale of obscene objects to children and outraging religious feelings.
- Who
- Artist T Venkanna and curator Abhay Maskara.
- What
- A case was filed against them for displaying an allegedly objectionable painting.
- When
- The exhibit ran from September 11 to September 25.
- Where
- Mumbai, at the Gallery Maskara in Colaba.
- Why
- Based on a complaint about the painting's content and lack of age restrictions.
Accusation
Defense
Objectionable Content
Accusation
The painting is considered offensive.
Defense
The painting is a symbolic representation of a woman's struggle against sexual violence.
Appropriateness for Minors
Accusation
The exhibition did not adequately restrict minors.
Defense
The gallery's website says that admission is strictly by invitation and only for people above the age of 18.
- Accused
- T Venkanna (artist) and Abhay Maskara (curator)
- Charges
- Displaying an objectionable painting and not prohibiting minors
- Artwork Title
- Union for Peace
- Exhibition Name
- The Human Theatre
- Gallery
- Gallery Maskara, Colaba
- Relevant Law
- Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita