Amsterdam
Completed

Crossings: Photography from the Indian Subcontinent Exhibition – Historical and Contemporary Lenses

Experience a compelling visual dialogue between 19th-century colonial photographs and modern artistic interpretations.

Delve into the rich photographic heritage of the Indian subcontinent with 'Crossings.' This exhibition presents a unique dialogue between historical British colonial imagery and the contemporary artistic practice of French-Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Yogananthan. Explore diverse perspectives on representation, history, and identity, showcasing an evolving photographic tradition. Gain insight into how ancient stories and myths continue to influence the present day.

About Crossings: Photography from the Indian subcontinent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Crossings: Photography from the Indian subcontinent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the convergence of colonial and contemporary perspectives through photographs from the Indian subcontinent. It presents a dialogue between 19th-century British colonial photography and modern works by French-Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Yogananthan.

Curatorial context

Crossings delves into the rich photographic heritage of the Indian subcontinent, presenting a compelling dialogue between historical colonial imagery and contemporary artistic practice. The exhibition showcases a selection of 19th-century British colonial photographs, many of which were commissioned for European and American audiences and reflect the interests of their commissioners. These historical images are juxtaposed with the work of French-Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Yogananthan. Yogananthan's series, 'A Myth of Two Souls,' is featured, for which he undertook extensive travel across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. His work explores how ancient stories, myths, and traditions continue to impact the present day, building upon the subcontinent's evolving photographic tradition. The exhibition, held in the Photography gallery, offers a nuanced view of representation, history, and identity through the lens of photography.

Admission and ticket notes

Adults: € 25. Free for visitors aged 18 and under, and for Friends of the Rijksmuseum. A start time is required for entry. Visitors are directed to a link for all practical information regarding prices and opening hours.

Crossings: Photography from the Indian subcontinent key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Crossings: Photography from the Indian subcontinent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Rijksmuseum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Jul 4, 2025 – Oct 12, 2025
Artist line / attribution
Featuring Vasantha Yogananthan, with works also drawn from the Rijksmuseum's collection of 19th-century British colonial photography from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
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