Challenging silence through moving images and memory
Nalini Malani is one of India's most influential contemporary artists, widely recognized for her pioneering work in video art and installation. Born in Karachi in 1946 and displaced by Partition, her personal history of loss and migration deeply informs her practice. Malani’s art often interrogates themes of gender, violence, and historical erasure—drawing from mythology, literature, and political resistance.
Her layered works combine hand-drawn animations, shadow play, found footage, and spoken word, creating immersive experiences that confront viewers with uncomfortable truths. She challenges dominant narratives and gives voice to the marginalized, especially women, in both past and present contexts.
Malani’s art is not just seen—it’s felt. From gallery walls to international biennales, her works speak across languages and borders. Her global acclaim, including the Joan Miró Prize and representation in major museum collections, reflects her enduring relevance.
Nalini Malani chose to associate with Chandigarh Art Gallery for its dedication to bold, socially engaged art. She admired its curatorial independence and the way it platforms both emerging and established voices that challenge norms—making it a fitting space for her deeply reflective and critical practice.