Land Erosion / Memories of a Land
The red soil of Birbhum, Bankura, and Purulia tells a story of displacement. Tanmoy Dutta creates a charged memorial for the Santal Adivasi community denied agency over their native land.
Published 30 December 2025
This has finished
- On view
- 12 December 2025 – 31 March 2026
- Times
- 10AM to 6PM (Mon to Sunday) Till March 31st, 2026
- Part of
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26
Where
Vallabhdas Kanji Limited (VKL Warehouse)
Event venue · no 6/951, Bazaar Road, Mattancherry
Despite centuries of deep-rooted ties, the Santal people are systematically denied agency over their native land. Tanmoy Dutta makes red soil an omnipresent witness.
Artists
Tanmoy Dutta (Sarojini Naidu School of Arts & Communication, Hyderabad)
Medium
Oil on Canvas, Laterite soil and mud, Bamboo, coconut coir rope, Jute fabric, Binding wire, Tape, Zinc sheets, Graphite on paper, Ink on paper, Photographs, Collected objects from land, Etchings
This photograph is missing while the site moves.
About
Despite centuries of deep-rooted ties, the Santal people are systematically denied agency over their native land. Tanmoy Dutta makes red soil an omnipresent witness.
Land Erosion and Memories of a Land examine the unique laterite landscapes surrounding Birbhum, Bankura, and Purulia in West Bengal. The installation critiques encroachment by governmental and private developers that has displaced the Santal Adivasi community.
The red soil—vital for traditional mud houses—is giving way to concrete. Through sculpture, paintings, etchings, photographs, and an archive of collected objects, Tanmoy creates a charged memorial for both the land and its people.
Memory is etched into this earth. This work refuses to let it be erased.