This work is part of the Fallen Mortal series and was first shown in the exhibition entitled 'Memorial: an installation with photographs and sculpture' (1993). 

Excerpt from the introduction text of Vivan Sundaram: Map, Monument, Fallen Mortal, written by David Thorp: 

'The Fallen Mortal series shows how the use of the specific incident can ask general and more open questions about memory and representation. Unlike “space capsules,” which attempt to retain the everyday for another day, or the current self-circular obsession with the uselessness of the sculptural object, Sundaram’s ambition appears to be quite different. Although depending, to a certain extent, on a cross cultural familiarity with the objects he employs, he deals quite unashamedly with traditionally more ambitious and weighty subject matter.' 

Materials used include iron nails and black and white photographs which were taken by Hoshi Jal in Bombay, January 1993, courtesy of The Times of India. 

 

Reference: Sacha Craddock, Vivan Sundaram: Map, Monument, Fallen Mortal, South London Gallery, London, 1994.

Exhibition history: ‘Memorial: an installation with photographs and sculpture,’ AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi; 1993; Sakshi Gallery, Melange Art and Design Centre, Bombay; 1996, Illustrated catalogue.