A new art exhibition by Bengaluru-based artist Bharatesh G.D. is drawing attention for its stark depictions of societal pain. The show, titled ‘Pain Corporation of India,’ features works that confront viewers with unsettling imagery, aiming to highlight how pain is normalized and dissent is managed within visual culture.
The exhibition, currently on display at Gallery Sumukha in Bengaluru, presents a collection of artworks that use provocative symbolism to explore complex themes. Artist Bharatesh G.D. is known for his contemporary approach, and this solo show appears to be a significant platform for his commentary on societal structures and their impact on individual experience. The exhibition runs from January 15, 2026, to February 26, 2026.
Exhibition Details and Thematic Focus
Gallery Sumukha is hosting Bharatesh G.D.’s solo exhibition, ‘Pain Corporation of India.’ The gallery is located at 24/10, BTS Depot Road, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru – 560027.
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The core of the exhibition lies in its examination of how beliefs are manufactured, pain becomes commonplace, and any form of disagreement is absorbed, postponed, or controlled within the realm of visual expression.
The artist’s work is described as employing a series of ideas and pieces that function as “meaning-making machines,” which then appear to turn against their own intended purpose. This paradoxical approach suggests a critique of how societal narratives and visual culture construct meaning, particularly concerning experiences of suffering and dissent.
Visual Language and Symbolic Representation
Descriptions of Bharatesh G.D.’s artwork highlight a visceral and confrontational visual style. Images mentioned include:
A jaw with teeth protruding at difficult angles.
Fingers marked with voting ink, a symbol often associated with electoral participation.
Tongues that appear skewered.
Eyeballs positioned in unexpected places, conveying feelings of disdain and disapproval.
These striking images serve as the primary vehicles through which the artist conveys his message. The intensity of these visual elements is intended to force a direct engagement with the uncomfortable realities the artist is exploring.
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Critical Reception and Interpretation
The exhibition has been noted for its ability to cut through layers of societal discomfort. The juxtaposition of everyday symbols, like voting ink, with more disturbing imagery invites a deeper consideration of how political and social systems influence individual experiences of pain and expression.
The phrase “Pain Corporation of India” itself is an allusion that suggests a systemic or organized approach to the experience and management of pain within the nation's cultural landscape. The exhibition aims to provoke thought and discussion around these pervasive, yet often unacknowledged, aspects of society.
Expert Analysis
While no direct expert quotes are available, the framing of the exhibition suggests an artistic endeavor to dissect the mechanisms by which societies process suffering and manage dissent. The choice of imagery and the title ‘Pain Corporation of India’ point towards an artist deeply engaged in a critical examination of contemporary social and political structures.
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Conclusion and Implications
Bharatesh G.D.’s solo show, ‘Pain Corporation of India,’ presents a challenging yet important artistic statement. Through its deliberate and often disturbing visual language, the exhibition seeks to illuminate the ways in which pain is normalized and dissent is incorporated into the fabric of society. The show’s run at Gallery Sumukha provides a platform for public engagement with these complex issues, prompting viewers to consider the implications of engineered belief systems and the visual culture that sustains them. The persistence of these themes in contemporary art underscores their continued relevance.
Sources Used:
The Hindu: Published February 19, 2026. "Bharatesh GD’s solo show in Bengaluru cuts through layers of pain." https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/bharatesh-gds-solo-show-in-bengaluru-cuts-through-layers-of-pain/article70646003.ece
The Arts Gazette: Published January 15, 2026. "Bengaluru / Bharathesh G. D.’s Pain Corporation of India – The Arts Gazette." https://www.theartsgazette.com/index.php/2026/01/15/bengaluru-bharathesh-g-d-s-pain-corporation-of-india/