Land Erosion / Memories of a Land

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

Venue

Vallabhdas Kanji Limited (VKL) Warehouse, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Kerala

Timings

10AM to 6PM (Mon to Sunday)

Till March 31st, 2026

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.

Kochi Biennale 2025