Discussion Raja Ravi Varma – Legacy & Influence

Left to centre: Anubhav Nath, Chaitanya Sambrani / Images courtesy the speakers Right: Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art at QAGOMA / Aug, 2020/ Photograph: J. Ruckli, QAGOMA

Left to centre: Anubhav Nath, Chaitanya Sambrani / Images courtesy the speakers
Right: Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art at QAGOMA / Aug, 2020/ Photograph: J. Ruckli, QAGOMA / View full image

When

10.30 – 11.30 am, Sat 20 Sep 2025
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Where

Queensland Art Gallery & Watermall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Auslan Interpreted

What to Expect

Admission

Free

About

Explore the legacy of one of India’s most iconic artists – Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).

Renowned for his vivid portrayals of Hindu gods and epic tales, Ravi Varma’s works have been reproduced and cherished across the world since the late-19th century. A significant selection of these works is featured in the exhibition ‘The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture’.

Hear from special guests as they discuss Ravi Varma’s lasting impact on faith, cinema and contemporary art, and reflect on the importance of celebrating and preserving his legacy.

Speakers:

  • Anubhav Nath, Founder Director, Ojas Art
  • Chaitanya Sambrani, Associate Professor, Centre for Art History & Theory, Australian National University
  • Host: Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager, Asian & Pacific Art, QAGOMA

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rajeev Kumar Choudhary and Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM are no longer able to participate in this discussion.

This program is supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

Anubhav Nath / Image courtesy the speaker

Anubhav Nath / Image courtesy the speaker / View full image

Anubhav Nath

Anubhav Nath is the founder director of Ojas Art, an arts initiative promoting Indian contemporary art, with a focus on the Indian Indigenous Arts. A full-time arts professional with an interest in writing, social development, mentorship and historical automobiles, he has spearheaded, facilitated, and currently engaged in diverse projects.

Chaitanya Sambrani / Image courtesy the speaker

Chaitanya Sambrani / Image courtesy the speaker / View full image

Chaitanya Sambrani

Chaitanya Sambrani is an art historian and curator interested in questions of nationhood, tradition, belonging and marginality, primarily in South and Southeast Asia. He is currently Associate Professor at the Australian National University, Canberra, where he teaches courses on Asian modernisms and contemporary art, and on curatorial practice.

Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art at QAGOMA / Aug, 2020/ Photograph: J. Ruckli, QAGOMA

Tarun Nagesh, Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art at QAGOMA / Aug, 2020/ Photograph: J. Ruckli, QAGOMA / View full image

Tarun Nagesh

Tarun Nagesh is Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art at QAGOMA in Brisbane. He leads the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art curatorial team and recently delivered the 11th Triennial. Tarun is part of the inaugural Advisory Board for the ASEAN-Australia Centre, is a Board Member of the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, and QLD State Representative for The Asian Arts Society of Australia.

Performance: Total by Angela Goh on Asia Pacific Triennial Opening Weekend / November 2024 / Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane / Photograph: Katie Bennett, QAGOMA /

Performance: Total by Angela Goh on Asia Pacific Triennial Opening Weekend / November 2024 / Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane / Photograph: Katie Bennett, QAGOMA / / View full image

'The God of Small Things' Opening Day Celebrations

Sat 20 Sep | Free discussions, tours and performances.

View Program

What to Expect

Here’s what to expect at this event.

Everyone is welcome! Please contact events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au in advance of the program if you have any access needs or queries about the event. Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Participation and content

  • You are welcome to come with a friend or by yourself. Many people attend the Gallery solo.
  • We ask all attendees to be kind, respectful, and courteous to all participants, speakers and staff at this event. This program will be monitored by QAGOMA staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, speakers and staff.

Sensory aspects

  • This event will be Auslan interpreted.
  • Speakers will use an amplified microphone. Please let us know in advance if you are hard of hearing so we can make this talk accessible for you.
  • We try our best to minimise sound in the space, but sometimes there might be low-level noise from a nearby artwork or the sounds of the Gallery.
  • Chairs with backs will be available.
  • This event has a seated capacity of 100 attendees.
  • The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks.
  • This event will be photographed and filmed by QAGOMA staff. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please advise a QAGOMA staff member on arrival.