Shaped by the history of the Indian subcontinent, Kanwar frequently draws on lived experience to investigate the enduring legacies of decolonisation and the 1947 Partition, which led to the creation of India, Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh. In his films, Kanwar bears witness to social upheaval, displacement, power, violence, arrogance, justice and memory. Reckoning with the past to better comprehend the urgencies of the present, he reveals what unites us, regardless of geography or context.

Within the darkened galleries, visitors will encounter a trilogy of films by Kanwar: the feature-length Such a Morning (2017), the multi-screen installation The Peacock’s Graveyard (2023), and a new seven-screen installation titled The Charcoal Man (2026), which makes its premiere at Serpentine.

Amar Kanwar is curated in close collaboration with the artist by Chris Bayley, Exhibitions Curator, with Kit Gurnos, Assistant Exhibitions Curator.

Amar Kanwar’s exhibition unfolds across a series of films and installations. You might choose to spend a whole morning or afternoon in the exhibition, taking time to watch all the films in full (total running time is approximately 3 hours).

Alternatively, you are welcome to visit the exhibition for as long as you wish and move between the works at your own pace. You can immerse yourself in a single space or film and can return whenever you like to explore more. Entry is free.