Gandhi’s Three Monkeys Katara
Gandhi's Three Monkeys: A powerful sculpture in Katara, Doha, by Subodh Gupta, exploring war & peace through repurposed Indian kitchenware.
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Gandhi’s Three Monkeys Katara
Best Time
Atmospheric lighting enhances art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gandhi's Three Monkeys: A powerful sculpture in Katara, Doha, by Subodh Gupta, exploring war & peace through repurposed Indian kitchenware.
"A striking interpretation of 'see no evil' using everyday Indian kitchen utensils to tackle war and peace."
📸 Capture the Details
Look closely at the intricate details made from kitchen utensils!
🚶♀️ Explore Katara
The sculpture is within the larger Katara Cultural Village, so allow time to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Monkeys Sculpture
Katara Cultural Village
Three imposing heads: one in a gas mask, another as a soldier, and the third in a terrorist hood.
Intricate Materiality
Katara Cultural Village
Crafted from bronze, steel, and repurposed Indian kitchen utensils and lunchboxes.
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Symbolic Representation
Katara Cultural Village
A modern interpretation of Gandhi's 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, reflecting on war and peace.
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Location & Theme
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Look closely at the intricate details made from kitchen utensils!
🚶♀️ Explore Katara
The sculpture is within the larger Katara Cultural Village, so allow time to explore.
💡 Understand the Symbolism
Reflect on the 'see no evil' theme and its connection to war and peace.
🌃 Visit at Night
The sculpture can be quite striking when illuminated at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Look closely at the intricate details made from kitchen utensils!
🚶♀️ Explore Katara
The sculpture is within the larger Katara Cultural Village, so allow time to explore.
💡 Understand the Symbolism
Reflect on the 'see no evil' theme and its connection to war and peace.
🌃 Visit at Night
The sculpture can be quite striking when illuminated at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the striking visual impact and thought-provoking symbolism of Gandhi's Three Monkeys. The innovative use of everyday Indian kitchen utensils to convey messages about war and peace is frequently praised. While the artwork is a major draw, some find the surrounding Katara Cultural Village can get quite crowded, especially during peak times.
"Gandhi's three monkeys
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.
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."
W0HVWOD I_VsiI
"Subodh Gupta, million dollars contemporary artist from bihar to doha (Qatar)
WOW moments for every Indian and person. Kudos to subodh gupta for his great work"
Information Land
"One of several sculptures at Katara."
ZIA UL HAQ ABDUL HAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gandhi's Three Monkeys is located in the Katara Cultural Village in Doha. You can reach Katara by taxi, ride-sharing services, or by car. Parking is available within the cultural village.
While direct metro lines might not reach the exact spot, you can take the Doha Metro to a nearby station and then a short taxi or bus ride to Katara. Check local transport apps for the most current routes.
Katara Cultural Village is generally open to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. Specific building hours may vary, but the outdoor areas where the sculpture is located are accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to view Gandhi's Three Monkeys. It is an outdoor public art installation within Katara Cultural Village.
Entry to Katara Cultural Village itself is free for all visitors.
As it's a public art installation, there are no specific restrictions on viewing the sculpture. However, please be respectful of the artwork and the surrounding cultural environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Gandhi's Three Monkeys and within Katara Cultural Village. Capture the unique details and its imposing presence.
Evenings offer a dramatic ambiance with lighting, while daytime allows for clearer shots of the intricate details. Consider golden hour for softer light.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that might disturb other visitors or damage sensitive exhibits if you venture into indoor galleries within Katara.
🎫 💡 Art & Symbolism
The sculpture is by the acclaimed Indian contemporary artist Subodh Gupta, known for his use of everyday objects.
It's a modern interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi's 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, exploring themes of war, peace, and societal issues.
The artwork is primarily constructed from bronze and steel, incorporating a vast array of repurposed Indian kitchen utensils, pails, and lunchboxes.
The gas mask, soldier's helmet, and terrorist hood symbolize different facets of conflict and the human condition in times of war.
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+1 Its scale, the innovative use of materials (repurposed Indian kitchenware), and the powerful social commentary on war and peace make it a compelling piece. +1 Take time to examine the intricate construction and consider the artist's intent. The sculpture is a highlight within the broader artistic landscape of Katara Cultural Village, which often features other exhibitions and installations. 📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' before sunset or after sunset when Katara is beautifully lit to capture the sculpture in different moods. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Subodh Gupta
+1 By relocating these familiar objects from their original context, Gupta elevates them, prompting viewers to reconsider their significance and the cultural narratives they embody. This approach challenges traditional notions of art and its materials, making his pieces both accessible and thought-provoking. Gandhi's Three Monkeys is a prime example of Gupta's signature style. The sculpture's imposing scale and the sheer volume of repurposed kitchenware—including pots, pans, and lunchboxes—create a powerful visual impact. The artist's choice of materials not only speaks to his Indian heritage but also serves as a commentary on consumption, labor, and the hidden histories embedded within common objects.
The work invites contemplation on the complexities of conflict and peace, using universally recognizable symbols in a novel and impactful way. Gupta's artistic practice spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and performance art. His ability to weave together diverse artistic forms while maintaining a consistent thematic focus has earned him international acclaim. Visitors to Katara can appreciate not just the visual spectacle of Gandhi's Three Monkeys, but also the deeper philosophical and cultural dialogues it initiates.
Symbolism and Social Commentary
The choice of a gas mask, a soldier's helmet, and a terrorist's hood for each of the three heads starkly contrasts with the traditional, peaceful imagery associated with Gandhi's philosophy. This juxtaposition forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of war, violence, and the complicity that can arise from inaction or willful ignorance. The materials used—everyday Indian kitchen utensils—add another layer of meaning. These are objects associated with domesticity, sustenance, and family life. By incorporating them into a sculpture that addresses themes of war and peace, Gupta highlights the human cost of conflict, showing how it disrupts ordinary lives and traditions.
The transformation of these humble items into a monumental artwork also speaks to the artist's ability to find beauty and significance in the overlooked, and to imbue them with a powerful social message. This sculpture serves as a critical commentary on contemporary global issues. It prompts reflection on how societies respond to violence and injustice, and whether the principles of 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' are still relevant or have been perverted in the face of modern warfare. The work encourages a dialogue about responsibility, awareness, and the urgent need for peace.
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