Wed Oct 22 18:46:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, focusing on the vandalism incident and its context:
Headline: International Artist’s Work Vandalized at Kochi Art Exhibition; Local Artists Cite ‘Obscenity’
KOCHI, INDIA – October 23, 2025 – Controversy has erupted at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi after works by Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar were reportedly vandalized during the ongoing exhibition “Estranged Geographies” on Wednesday, October 22nd. The exhibition, a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, features works from artists representing France, Norway, Switzerland, and Kerala.
Reports indicate that P.H. Hochimin, a local artist, and his associates were responsible for the vandalism, which was allegedly live-streamed on Facebook. The targeted works were six pieces by Oslo-based Benammar.
The incident follows objections raised by a section of local artists since the exhibition’s opening on October 18th. These artists claim that Benammar’s works are obscene and that the Malayalam translations of her piece “Go Eat Your Dad” constitute abuse. The work features insults printed on linocuts, displayed alongside the artwork, intending to highlight racist, nationalist, and xenophobic remarks directed at Benammar in Norway. Benammar has faced similar, though not necessarily violent, backlash in the past.
Murali Cheeroth, Chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, has strongly condemned the act of vandalism, calling it an “expression of intolerance.” He stated, “Disagreements can be voiced, but not through acts of vandalism.” The Akademi has filed a petition with the Kochi City police, and Benammar is expected to submit a separate petition on Thursday. The monetary value of the damaged works is still being assessed.
Despite the incident, the exhibition, curated by Anushka Rajendran and Damian Christinger, is scheduled to continue until November 15th.
First Piper 