Rina Banerjee Rewrites the Colonial Narrative at Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo
Transforming found objects into otherworldly feminine forms that challenge history, identity and power.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Espaces Louis Vuitton and the 10th anniversary of the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s Hors-les-murs program, the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo is presenting an exhibition devoted to the work of South Asian diaspora artist Rina Banerjee.
Transforming found objects into mystical female sculptures and intricate installations, this is a magical showcase. In her artworks, Banerjee takes elements that reflect residues of colonialism, such as textiles, ostrich eggs, feathers and glass chandeliers, many of which were produced in the Global South. Her paintings are inspired by historic Indian miniatures, Chinese silks and Aztec drawings, working with the space between abstraction and direct representation. The artist pushes away the colonial gaze to create works of beauty with unexpected means.
The exhibited pieces, which include a new series of paintings made this year, draw from the artist’s extensive knowledge of pre-1900 Indian art and integrate South Asian materials, motifs and iconographies to create female figures that often echo Hindu goddesses. Banerjee’s art speaks to the fluid and transnational nature of the “self,” while exploring her own identity as an immigrant.
The exhibition is now on view until September 13, 2026, at the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo.
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