Architect: Raj Rewal (b. 1934). Engineer: Mahendra Raj (b. 1924). Detail view. 1974. Photograph: Madan Mahatta
The Project of Independence. Architectures of Decolonization in South Asia, 1947–1985
Open from February 20th to July 2nd, 2022 at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), New York, The Project of Independence : Architectures of Decolonization in South Asia, 1947–1985 was guest curated by Professor Anoma Pieris, Professor in Architecture at the Melbourne School of Design.
Independence brings in the greatest opportunity for a nation to express its thoughts, talent and energy….
Now, we the architects can construct the right and distinct kind of architecture for an independent people
said Bangladeshi architect Muzharul Islam. Following the end of British rule in 1947/48, architects in the territories of today’s India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka embraced the language of modernism as a means of proclaiming their autonomy, articulating their national identities, and enacting social progress. Focusing on work conceived and realized by local, rather than international, architects, designers, and planners, The Project of Independence presents more than 200 works that showcase South Asia’s groundbreaking modern architecture.
Organized by Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art; Anoma Pieris, guest curator and professor, University of Melbourne; and Sean Anderson, former Associate Curator, Department of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art; with Evangelos Kotsioris, Assistant Curator, Department of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art. The curatorial team consulted with leading scholars of modern architecture from the region, many of whom also contributed to the accompanying exhibition catalogue.
For more information, please see MOMA Website.