Art of Liberation: Fearless Foundation Lights a Fire of Resistance at Travancore Palace

Right at the onset of Diwali, New Delhi will witness the inception of Art of Liberation, a spectacular exhibition that solemnizes fire as an unshackling force. Curated by artist and activist Shilo Shiv Suleman (Founder & Curator, Fearless Foundation for the Arts), with Curatorial Advisor Myna Mukherjee and Co-host Tara Lal, the exhibition is hosted at the Travancore Palace from October 16 to 21, 2025.

The exhibition is far more than just a visual showcase; it is an active manifestation of contemporary political quotient that essentially emphasizes the niche of resistance, struggle, and also puts forth a platform to represent the voices of women. An amalgamation of all these collective consciences creates a wave of ‘protest’ in the face of oppression. It is also a discreet tribute to the lost lives who are seldom known or spoken about. Participating artists from Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India bring forth narratives of resilience, protest, and solidarity.

Fire as a Liberatory Force

The artist chose ‘Fire’ as the symbolic theme to energize the notions and rightfully depict the current truth of South Asian geospace. Fire, an elemental energy, burns through fear, oppression, and silence. To contextualize the Indian subcontinent and its neighbors, fire projects a duality- both a metaphor and a medium; it’s not only a destructive force, but it also clears paths for new beginnings. The Fearless Foundation for the Arts, making its official launch in Delhi through this exhibition, envisions fire as the spark that ignites collective consciousness. As Suleman notes, “Resistance is not only about confrontation, but about transformation — fire lights the way.”

Spotlight on the Artists

 

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Each artist transliterates lived experiences and histories into redolent forms — from paintings and installations to performances. Their etchings are acts of avowal, captivating grief, rage, and most importantly, hope. 

Key highlights include:

• Guardians of Mukkumlung and the Yakthung Resistance by Krishna Joshi (Nepal) – amplifies the struggles of Indigenous communities fighting displacement.
• Women Warriors Leading Bangladesh’s Revolutions by Ahsana Angona (Bangladesh) – celebrates the central role of women in justice movements.
• Girls Playing with Snakes, Fearless in the Face of Terror by Chuu Wai Nyein (Myanmar) – portrays young women confronting violence without fear.
• Women of Shaheen Bagh by Shilo Shiv Suleman (India) – a tribute to the women who safeguarded democracy through peaceful protest.
• The Shia Alam Reborn as a Phoenix of Resilience by Luluwa Lokhandwala (Pakistan) – sacred imagery reimagined as symbols of defiance.

Participating Artists and Their Works

These works aren’t isolated statements; they’re loud expressions of the experiences of millions of people. Together, they create a saga of resistance, each voice adding to a collective chorus across South Asia.

Beyond the Gallery Walls

The exhibition does not consist of static artwork alone; it carves an array of performances and readings by voices such as Aamir Aziz, Shruti Vishwanathan, and Mahi G. This cumulative experience shall work to extend the ethos of resistance into poetry, song, and spoken word. This intersection of visual and performing arts signifies that liberation is not compromised and confined to a single medium. Whether through paint or performance, the participating artists spark the tangible aspect of cultural resilience.

Exhibition Details

A Shared Struggle, A Shared Fire

The rudimentary objective of the Art of Liberation is not simply to showcase a lavish exhibition drawn with bold lines, but to forge strong connections between the past, present, and the future. It aims to transmit the essence of the indigenous resistance in South Asia, denoting its burning present and a constant hope for a stable future. It creates a strong appeal to the younger generation to be a constructive catalyst in the active political arena and to inculcate a desire for justice and dignity. 

In a world fractured by conflict and censorship, this exhibition reclaims fire as a tool of illumination rather than destruction. It shines light on women’s courage, on communities’ resilience, and on art’s enduring power to speak truth to power. As South Asia prepares for Diwali’s lights, Art of Liberation reminds us that the brightest flames often emerge from the darkest times.