Oslo-based Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar witnessed a disturbing incident after her artwork was vandalised by Kerala-based artist PH Hochiman during its exhibition at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi in Kochi. PH Hochiman, who did not regret his act, said that her (Benammar) artwork was obscene. The Algerian-French artist voiced concern over the vandalism, calling it a direct assault on artistic freedom and the right to free expression.

Hanan Benammar’s six printed linocut works titled “Go Eat Your Dad”, which were part of the ongoing exhibition “Estranged Geographies” at Durbar Hall Art Gallery, were torn down by Hochiman on Wednesday. He live-streamed the act on Facebook, claiming the works were obscene.

Violence in Art Space Unacceptable, Says Benammar

Speaking to reporters, Benammar said she felt relieved that no one was physically harmed during the incident but stressed that violence in art spaces was unacceptable.