Nandini Valli Muthiah
Nandini Valli Muthiah is an Indian photographic artist whose work explores themes of identity, perception, and the “gaze.” She holds a BA (Hons) in Photography from Arts University Bournemouth, UK, and an MA in French Translation from Pondicherry University. Her images challenge stereotypes, using color and composition to reinvent cultural narratives.
Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Seattle Museum of Art, Whitechapel Gallery (London), Zacheta National Gallery of Art (Poland), and the Chennai Photo Biennale. She has also held solo exhibitions at Sakshi Gallery (Mumbai) and Woodstreet Galleries (Pittsburgh). A nominee for the Grange Prize, she has participated in artist residencies at the Alberta College of Art and Design (Canada) and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
About Work
Nandini Valli Muthiah’s photographic work explores themes of identity, mythology, and cultural narratives through carefully constructed visual storytelling. Remembering to Forget (2008–2010), supported by the Tierney Foundation, examines middle-class aspirations through Indian schoolchildren’s fancy dress competitions, where historical and mythological figures are temporarily resurrected. The series juxtaposes multiple representations of the same character, revealing patterns of memory and cultural value.
Her Hair series (2009) explores femininity, sensuality, and societal norms through the tradition of Indian women adorning their hair with flowers, heightening desire and intrigue by deliberately omitting faces.
In Definitive Reincarnate (2003–2010), she reimagines the visual representation of Hindu deities in South Indian popular culture, blending fantasy with reality. Her series The Visitor explores the concept of parallel universes, creating a cinematic visual narrative of Krishna’s existence across multiple realms. Muthiah’s work challenges perception, myth, and tradition in contemporary Indian society.
Meghna – From the series, “Hair”; 2009
Two Indiras (After former Indian PM-Indira Gandhi) – From the series, “Remembering to Forget”; 2010
Serenity in his Sleep 1 – From the series, “The Visitor”; 2010
Disillusioned 1 – From the series, “Definitive Reincarnate”; 2003
The Peacock – From the series, “Remembering to Forget”; 2008
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www.nandinivalli.com