TMC Reviews… The New Pre-Raphaelites (Grosvenor Gallery)

by Black Forest

‘Saying there are no gays here, is like saying there are no monsoon seasons in Bombay’ – something along those lines is one of my fave movie quotes from the indie movie Bombay Boys. But that was in 1998, when queer Indian identities were controversial – now it seems India really is as gay as its monsoon season, and fast becoming a mainstream gay hotspot. The New Pre-Raphaelites on the other hand is something away from the mainstream but nevertheless queer.

It’s the latest exhibition by photographer, curator and writer Sunil Gupta. A quick interview with Sunil for TMC reveals how this creative camp composition explores Indian queer identities, especially women, since the amendment of section 377 of the Indian penal code on July 2009.

Sunil’s work takes the beliefs of Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood which centres around freedom and responsibility rooted in spirituality and creativity of the medieval culture that focuses on beautifully shot portraitures of real people against mythic backgrounds. The use of real identities reflects the amendment of the archaic law constituted by the British in 1860 to criminalise same-sex relationships resulting in 10 year imprisonment. Since the amendment of section 377 in July 2009 same-sex relationships have been now de-criminalised making it easier for homosexuals to reveal their identities whether it’s for the sake of art or to receive AIDS treatment.

BF: How did the whole thing come about? What was your inspiration?
SG: This series originated with a commission from Autograph-ABP, (the Association of Black Photographers, and London) and it was tied to notions of human rights and changes being demanded in the law in India. The photographs in this series are based on Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the Tate and I’ve updated them to reflect contemporary queer culture in India.

BF: Unlike your previous work on homosexuality which specifically deals with gay men, the series includes homosexual women as well. You’ve been quoted as never using queer women in your work before, what inspired you this time?
SG: Actually, I have worked with queer women before, specifically there were a couple of portraits in “Ten Years On” (1983) and several women in “Pretended Family Relationships” (1988) the latter was a response to Clause 28, the experience of resistance that brought men and women together. India inspired me this time as there is much greater fluidity across gender and LGBT boundaries there.

Homosexual Indian women tend to live in the shadows of the Indian gay movement, in a predominantly patriarchal country. Only those women who can live independently of family networks and traditions can afford a lesbian identity.

BF: Do you see more coming from Indian gay women in the future? Are there any class and gender issues? Do we have a long way to go?

SG: Yes, I see a lot is going to come from Indian women in the future. I feel education is more significant than class. It’s one thing to have rights and another to be able to articulate them. Education is an absolute must. I’m familiar with non-English speaking Indians who are very articulate and empowered. We have a long way to go to remove the stigma of being LGBT, education is a process. But the changing of the law has made that reality much more possible. At least we can now talk about it, publish and show movies and not feel criminal.

BF: Do you plan to do more around queer Indian women?
SG: Yes, I’m part of a mixed queer group called ‘Nigah’ in New Delhi and we put on a couple of events monthly and a festival annually that features film, photo and performance art.

BF: Any other works in the pipeline?
SG: Yes, the next project is ‘Sun City’ about a gay Indian lost in Paris. And I’m discussing the possibility of publishing another book with a queer theme for London and Delhi.

BF: If you were a cake what would it be and why?
SG: A cupcake. Because, you’d always want more… :-)

The New Pre-Raphaelites is exhibiting at the Grosvenor Vadehera Gallery London until 30^th January 2010. Exhibiting for a short period, however it’s one not to be missed, and a sign of greater and gay-er things to come from India for the new decade.

For Sunil’s earlier works and current projects including ‘Ten Years On’ and ‘Pretended Family Relationships’ click here.

The New Pre-Raphaelites will run until January 30th at the Grosvenor Gallery. Click here for more information.