Giving gin a good name

Updated On: 04 June, 2023 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi

Tongue firmly in cheek, five Indian artists retort to a 271-year-old artwork by British artist William Hogarth that turned gin sour

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Five Indian artists have recreated Beer Street and Gin Lane (1751) by English artist William Hogarth. Pic/Getty Images

History can be intoxicatingly fascinating sometimes. In 1751, English artist William Hogarth issued two prints—Beer Street and Gin Lane—in support of what would become the Gin Act by the Parliament of Great Britain. This was done to reduce the consumption of gin and other distilled spirits that were regarded as one of the primary causes of crime in London. Part reality, part propaganda, this misleading piece of art—that showcased death, disease, and disgust—pointed out the evils of gin drinking. There are gory things such as a baby falling from the mother’s arms, and a man trying to steal from a dog—all contrast to Beer Street’s robust health and bonhomie. This makes one question the honesty of prints... was it a public health warning or plain propaganda? In 2022, Greater Than, a craft gin brand with roots in Goa, thought it time for course correction. They commissioned five artists—Priyesh Trivedi, Priya Kuriyan, Shweta Sharma, Jasjyot Singh Hans, Saswata and Susruta Mukherjee (Bob & Bobby) to create modern interpretations of Hogarth’s Gin Lane, while staying true to its original structure. Their works were unveiled in July 2022 and will be showcased at the Junipalooza Festival in London next weekend. Hand-signed limited edition prints will be on sale too.

Aparajita Ninan