Chennai, February 2025 – InKo, the Indo-Korean Cultural Centre,is delighted to  present Limits of Change, an extraordinary immersive art and storytelling experience that unveils an untold chapter of Indo-Korean history. This evocative blend of art installation and theatrical performance transforms Lalit Kala Academy into a living museum from 8th to 20th February 2025. It is an Invited project in association with Chennai Photo Biennale Edition 4 and with the support from HYUNDAI MOBIS.

Curated and conceptualized by celebrated visual artist Parvathi Nayar and playwright Nayantara Nayar, Limits of Change blurs the lines between fiction and history, exploring themes of identity, home, violence, and forgiveness. Audiences will embark on a guided journey through nine interconnected spaces, each featuring objects, installations, videos, artworks, and archival material that collectively unfold a poignant Indo-Korean narrative.

At the heart of Limits of Change lies a powerful story that bridges personal and geopolitical realities. The narrative follows the life of General N, who served as part of the Custodian Force India (CFI) dispatched to Korea after the Korean War Armistice in 1953. His journey, intertwined with his daughter, Curator P, forms the emotional core of the performance.

Through her father’s archives—letters, journals, and photographs—Curator P unravels hidden layers of history while grappling with her own questions of identity and forgiveness. The narrative juxtaposes the personal loss of an absent father with the broader struggles of displaced prisoners of war (POWs), raising thought-provoking questions about home, duty, and reconciliation.

Set in the fictional Story Museum, this unique performance unfolds across nine rooms, with each space offering an experiential dive into the intertwined histories of India and Korea. Guided by a narrator, groups of 25–28 visitors will explore these spaces where visual art, storytelling, and archival elements converge to create a visceral journey.

• Infographic Walls and Timeline Installations offering historical context.
• A visually rich bedtime story video, Miss P and the Princess of Ai, blending myth with history.
• Artifacts and installations inspired by Tamil-Korean legends such as the Princess of Ay who travelled to Korea centuries ago.
• A thematic use of the turtle motif, symbolizing connection and reconciliation.

This project is a testament to the enduring cultural and historical ties between India and Korea. The performances emphasize the pivotal role played by Indian soldiers of the Custodian Force India (CFI) in post-war Korea. It delves into their journey of safeguarding displaced POWs, navigating cultural and emotional complexities, and returning home with a transformed sense of self.

“As the Indo-Korean Cultural Centre, committed to a sustaining a meaningful intercultural dialogue between India and Korea, we wholeheartedly supported this project which mixes the personal and the geo-political realities in a manner that unveils a vital but forgotten aspect of Indo-Korean history. The connection with Chennai, the unmistakable autobiographical elements; the creative fictional layers complemented with photo, video, object, artwork and storytelling provide a compelling framework within which histories unfold, memories are shared and the past and present meld to create what will hopefully be an unforgettable experience.” says Dr Rathi Jafer, Director, InKo Centre.

“Limits of Change is not just an exhibition; it is an immersive, performative exploration of how history shapes identity. It asks profound questions: What does it mean to call a place ‘home’? How do we reconcile personal loss with historical trauma? And how can art act as a conduit for understanding, healing, and hope?” adds Artist Parvathi Nayar.

Yog Japee, Director of Limits of Change, shares, “This project is a mosaic of narratives that invites audiences to discover hidden histories and forge personal connections through collective memories. It is an artistic exploration of the human spirit and its ability to forgive, heal, care and hope.”

This limited engagement offers audiences an opportunity to connect deeply with a story that is as relevant today as it was seven decades ago.

Details at a Glance:

• What: Limits of Change, presented by INKO
• Where: Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai
• When: 8th–20th February 2025
• Performance Timings: 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM, and 6:30 PM daily