Kerala Artist Tom Vattakuzhy Takes Art to Paris and London

Indian artist Tom Vattakuzhy recently displayed his artworks in Paris and London, bringing themes of human instability and social change to international platforms.

Paris Exhibition

A selection of his paintings titled Under the Changing Sky was installed at La Monnaie de Paris and presented at The Third Space at Asia NOW Paris. The exhibition was curated by Valentina Rosas Saad. During the installation, widespread unrest, student protests, arson, and looting unfolded across Paris, leaving the artist caught in the middle of chaotic city events. The three works on display depict dramatic vistas with exhilarating sky tones, exploring the uncertainty of choosing a path alongside quiet reflection.

London Exhibition

Tom is also holding his first-ever solo show in London titled Shifting Ground, running at AstaGuru as part of Asian Art 2026. Presented by the Institute of Indian Art and scheduled to remain open until November, the collection features nine works that opened on October 14 during Frieze Week. The artworks are deeply rooted in Keralam's socio-cultural landscape and examine transitions that shape human lives, including pieces like 'Drift', a 60 by 72 inch oil on canvas.

Controversy and Reflection

Tom's work previously sparked controversy at the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2025. Christian groups raised objections against his painting Supper at a Nunnery, which depicted the historical Dutch dancer and spy Mata Hari surrounded by nuns in a setting reimagining The Last Supper. The artist stated the work was not intended to hurt anyone and aimed to portray humanism, tragic reflections of women in a patriarchal system, and grace under fire. He currently exercises a degree of self-censorship following the backlash.

Context

Art exhibitions often serve as a mirror to contemporary social and political realities, connecting local cultural backgrounds to global audiences. International art fairs like Frieze Week bring together creators and collectors from around the world to discuss pressing human issues through visual media.