A focus on the sculptures wearing a soldier’s helmet and the other wearing a face cover

Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta

Located in the midst of Katara, Doha’s bustling cultural village, Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta captures attention. Tackling the challenging themes of war and peace, the three-part sculpture consists of three heads – one in a gas mask, one a soldier and the other in a terrorist hood.

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Each piece is composed of cooking instruments, used pails, traditional Indian lunch boxes and glass bowls. Together, they recall Gandhi's famous visual metaphor – the three wise monkeys that represent the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb.

Gupta’s work shifts between different mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, video and performance.

Throughout his art, he uses objects that are recognisable icons of Indian life, such as domestic kitchenware, bicycles, scooters and taxis. By relocating them from their original context, he elevates their status from common object to valued artwork.

A close shot of two of the three sculptures showing heads wearing military gear, with one wearing a face cover and the other a gas mask

Gupta's striking Gandhi's Three Monkeys can be seen at Katara, Doha's bustling cultural village

A focus on the sculptures wearing a soldier’s helmet and the other wearing a face cover

The pieces represent the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb.