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September 5th, 2020 - October 20th, 2020

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Conceptualized by Vinit Nair

Across the history of visual arts, the depiction of pandemics isn't as frequent or as pronounced as it is in literature. Since the struggles are more internal i.e within the body, elements such as clash of cultures, battles of strengths, victorious and vanquished, are amiss. Or atleast they seemed to be up until this point.

The current global crisis has pronounced the existing, but often brushed under the carpet, deep rooted factions of the haves and the have-nots. Furthermore, these distinctions have been most pronounced in a country like India, where the wealth gap is deafening. Visuals of migrants walking home, being sprayed with disinfectants and chemicals, will hound  generations to come. Sections of media have played an important role in having society acknowledge the crisis from a social and cultural perspective.

The urge of social distancing, and not physical distancing, bring to the fore the dark underbelly of customs of social divide. The act of not touching, the act of refuge, the space of refuge, all open up an urgent need of not just introspection but action.

While the conversations about public spaces are significant in Sarika’s and Alok’s practice, Divya’s practice raises questions through an internalisation of what exists and persists within the private spaces. What comes into the picture frame, mindfully framed, begins a conversation on layered notions of identity.

The artists through their practice, navigate the politics of space, sovereignty, and social contract.

- Text by Satyajit Dave