Kochi art vandalism: ‘Artists should think twice before...’ says Hanan Benammar

Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar, based in Oslo, expressed deep concern on Thursday after her artwork was vandalised by Kerala artist P. H. Hochiman, describing the act as an assault on artistic freedom and free expression.

Six printed linocut pieces titled “Go Eat Your Dad”, part of the ongoing exhibition “Estranged Geographies” at Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, were torn down by Hochiman on Wednesday. He live-streamed the incident on Facebook, claiming the works were obscene.

Speaking to reporters, Benammar said she was grateful that no one was physically harmed but condemned violence of any kind in art spaces.

“I am relieved that only the artwork was attacked. I condemn any act of violence in an art space. It is very important to preserve spaces for free expression, especially in these complicated and difficult times,” she said.

Benammar explained that her work was itself a response to “acts of silencing, moral policing and censorship” she had faced as an artist.

“It was a way to release anger and reflect humourously on language, class, and gender in colloquial speech. So it is ironic to see the work attacked for the very issues it explores,” she noted.

The artist said she was touched by the support shown by curators, fellow artists, and the Ministry of Culture.

“We knew that the work would create discussion, and we welcome dialogue on issues of violence. I don't want this experience to define my time here. I am very happy to be in Kerala so far,” she added.

Acknowledging that the vandal was another artist, Benammar remarked:

“Artists should think twice before attacking another artist's work. The piece carried strong language, and we had already warned viewers who did not wish to engage with it. I was never contacted for discussion or criticism before this act.”

Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Chairman Murali Cheeroth strongly condemned the incident, calling it an attack on artistic freedom.

“These were not abusive words. Benammar had encountered such words as criticism in her life and translated them into Malayalam using Google Translate before incorporating them into her work,” he explained.

Cheeroth said the Akademi would pursue legal action to prevent similar acts in future.

“We discussed the issue with executive members and decided to take legal action. Such acts must be resisted so that they are not repeated in the future,” he said.

He added that Benammar had asked for the torn pieces of her artwork to remain on the gallery floor as a symbol of resistance.

Later, Cheeroth lodged a formal complaint at the Ernakulam Central Police Station, following which a case was registered against Hochiman and his associate Sudhamshu under Sections 329(3) (criminal trespass) and 324(4) (committing mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to the FIR, the accused entered Durbar Hall without authorisation and destroyed the artworks, calling them obscene. The total damage was estimated at around ₹10 lakh, the report stated.

Meanwhile, Hochiman told a television channel that he stood by his actions.

“It was not art but abusive language. We have fought for freedom of expression, but this work was anti-Dalit and anti-women, which I cannot accept as an artist,” he said, adding that he was prepared to face any legal consequences.