Overview
'Imagine the formal presentation of poetry as evidence in a future war crimes tribunal. Imagine nineteen sheets of paper floating forever in the wind…' Amar Kanwar
The Torn First Pages is presented in honour of the Burmese bookshop owner Ko Than Htay who was imprisoned for ‘tearing out the first page’ of all books and journals he sold which contained the military regime’s ideological slogans. It is an ode to the thousands struggling for democracy in Burma.
April 2011
This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 10
Courtesy of the Artist and Marian Goodman Gallery. Reproduced by Sharjah Art Foundation.
Co-commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Vienna and Public Press, New Delhi.
Artwork Images
The Torn First Pages
Amar Kanwar
2004—2008
19-channel video installation
Colour, black and white
Sound
Dimensions variable
Installation view
Courtesy of the Artist and Marian Goodman Gallery
Co-commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Vienna and Public Press, New Delhi
Photo by Alfredo Rubio