Logo Goethe-Institut

Max Mueller Bhavan | India Kolkata

Event series

14. Februar bis 15. April 2026, täglich von 11:00 bis 19:00 Uhr (außer sonntags und an Feiertagen)

Empowerment. Art and Feminism in Kolkata

exhibition|An exhibition curated by Andreas Beitin, Katharina Koch und Uta Ruhkamp

EmPOWERment. Art and Feminismus in Kolkata © Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai | Bombay Duck Designs

EmPOWERment. Art and Feminismus in Kolkata © Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai | Bombay Duck Designs

The exhibition opens on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 5.30 pm with a guided tour by curator Uta Ruhkamp and Sandbox Collective followed by a performance of Trans Choral Iteration: AntahSvar (অন্তঃস্বর) or The Inner Music:  Co-lead by Anindya Hajra and Anurag Maitreyi.

How do artists act in the postcolonial, digital present from their respective situations? What emancipatory understanding underlies their art? How do they broaden the view of a feminist-oriented future?

Empowerment: Art and Feminisms is a South Asian travelling exhibition, showcasing the work of 31 feminist artists and artist collectives. It looks at inclusion at all levels and showcases the voices and rights of various gender and social minorities, especially in the context of South Asia.

Works in the multidisciplinary exhibition are presented in seven categories: Herstories & Other Narratives, Desired and Violated Bodies, Feminist Futures, Gender Identity, Labour of Care, Planetary Challenges and Resistance Protest. The exhibition is accompanied by an extended number of programmes.

The exhibition in Kolkata is supported by Apeejay Surrendra Group and presented by Goethe-Institut Kolkata

Events

  • Self Portraits: How We Really See Ourselves

    Workshop | Creating Self Portraits with Karnika Bai of The Aravani Art Project.

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

    Opening | An exhibition curated by Andreas Beitin, Katharina Koch und Uta Ruhkamp

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Mangshong wui Mi – Dreaming And Storytelling As Practicces of Resistance And Care

    Zine Workshop | A zine making workshop led by ishi

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

    Guided Walk | Guided Walk Through The Exhibition Led By Curator Uta Ruhkamp

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Imagining Futures: Queer-Trans-Feministische Bewegungen in Ostindien Movements in Easern India

    Panel Discussion | with Banamallika, Sayan Bhattacharya and Koyel Ghosh, moderated by Kumam Davidson.

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • People of the Night Sky

    Midnight Walk | A Celebratory Midnight Walk with Sandbox Collective

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

    Guided Walk | Guided Walk Through The Exhibition Led By Curator Uta Ruhkamp and Sandbox Collective

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Circles Have No Corners: Feminist Leaderschip in Contemporary Workspaces

    Panel Discussion | with Avantika Jalan, Kritika Trehan and Rituparna Banerjee, moderated by Paramita Saha.

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

    Guided Walk | Guided Walk Through The Exhibition Led By Sandbox Collective

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Feminist Leadership Session

    Open Workshop | led by Sandbox Collective.

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3

  • Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

    Guided Walk | Guided Walk Through The Exhibition Led By Sandbox Collective

    • Park Mansions, Gate 3