A Sal tree Mirage
Illuminating Shore, Vantage Point Sharjah12: If I were another, Curated by Sara Al Mehairi, Sharjah Art Foundation, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Sharjah, 2024. Image courtesy of Sharjah Art Foundation. Photo: Shanavas Jamaluddin, Motaz Mawid
Audacity of Vulnerability / ദുർബലതയുടെ സാഹസികത, 2021.
During a long journey across five central, east, and northeast Indian states, I realized a pattern of connections internally established towards nomad musicians, solitudes/melancholy in relation to sound. I experienced their music encompassing their spirits and their altitudes of belonging. I recognized a profound relationship with nature, myth, and phantoms in their presence. A very fragile yet profound interaction with something or someone., – (un)known, the distorted voices, stretched visuals, and sound in between is an invitation to recognize the void in our lives when we deeply desire, these subverted rhymes and pinning silence create wormholes to destruct time.
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ഇന്ത്യയുടെ മധ്യ, കിഴക്ക്, വടക്ക് കിഴക്ക് ഭൂ പ്രദേശങ്ങളിൽ വ്യാപിച്ച് കിടക്കുന്ന അഞ്ച് സംസ്ഥാനങ്ങളിലൂടെ ദീർഘമായ സഞ്ചാരത്തിനോടുവിൽ ഊരിതിരിഞ്ഞുണ്ടായ കലാ സൃഷ്ടിയാണ് ദുർബലതയുടെ സാഹസികത. വളരെ ആകസ്മികമായി, മുന്നേവിധി നിശ്ചയിക്കാതെ, യാത്രക്കിടയിൽ കലാകാരനു നടോടികളും, ഫോക്ലോർ; വർണക്യുലർ ശാഖയിൽ പെടുന്ന സംഗീതജ്ഞർ, അത്തരം ജനസമൂഹങ്ങൾ, തുടങ്ങിയവരുമായി തുടരെ തുടരെ ഇടപെടാൻ അവസരം വന്നുചേരുകയും. ഏകാന്തത, വിഷാദം, ഭ്രാന്ത്, മനോരഥസൃഷ്ടികളായ രൂപങ്ങൾ തുടങ്ങി ആശയങ്ങളെ ശബ്ദത്തിലൂടെ സ്വാംശീകരച്ചതായും തിരിച്ചറിഞ്ഞതിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിൽ. ഈ ആന്തരിക ബന്ധത്തിനാസ്പതമായതും, വൈരുദ്ധ്യമായതും ആയുള്ള ചലന ചിത്രങ്ങൾ ചേർത്ത് തന്റെ അനുഭവത്തെ പുനവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയാണ് മുഖ്യമായും ഈ കലാസൃഷ്ടിയിലൂടെ ചെയ്തിട്ടുള്ളത്. സംഗീതജ്ഞരുടെയും, നടോടികളുടെയും, സാംസ്കാരിക ഉന്നതിയില്ലുള്ള ഗ്രാമീണ ജനങ്ങളുടെയും ആത്മാക്കൾ താണ്ടുന്ന ഉയരങ്ങളും, അവരുടെ അസ്ഥിത്വം ഉൾപെടുന്ന ഭൗതികവും അല്ലാത്തതുമായ വിവിധങ്ങളായ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളേയും ഇഴചേർക്കുന്ന ഒന്നായി ഈ ശബ്ദങ്ങളും, ഒച്ചയും, സംഗീതവും, ചലനങ്ങളും, തളാത്മകതയേയും കലാകാരൻ കണക്കാക്കുന്നു. പ്രകൃതി, കെട്ടുകഥകൾ, മായരൂപങ്ങൾ, ഉന്മാദം എന്നിവ അവരുടെ സാനിദ്ധ്യം ഗാഢമായി സന്നിവേഷിപ്പിക്കുന്നതായി അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്നു. അദൃശ്യമായ ഒന്നിനോടോ, അല്ലെങ്കിൽ മനുഷ്യരുമായൊ വളരെ ദുർബലവും പക്ഷേ തീവ്രവുമായ ഇടപെടലുകൾ ഈ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ വഴിയൊരുക്കുന്നു. അജ്ഞാതവും, പരക്കെ അറിയപ്പെടുന്നതും, വികലമാക്കിയതും, വലിച്ചു നീട്ടിയതുമായ ശബ്ദങ്ങളും ദൃശ്യങ്ങളും മറ്റും നമ്മൾ ജീവിതത്തിൽ തീക്ഷ്ണമായി ഒന്നിനെ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുമ്പോൾ ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്ന ശൂന്യതയെ തിരിച്ചറിയുവാനുള്ള ക്ഷണമായി ഈ കലാ സൃഷ്ടിയിലൂടെ കലാകാരൻ ഇവിടെ അവകാശപ്പെടുന്നു. അട്ടിമറിക്കപ്പെട്ട തളാത്മകത, ചലനങ്ങൾ, പ്രാർത്ഥനകളുടെയും കരച്ചിലിന്റെയും ഒച്ചകൾ, അതിനിടയിൽ വരുന്ന പരിപൂർണ്ണ നിശബ്ദത, എന്നിവ സ്ഥലകാലത്തിൽ കുറുക്കുവഴികൾ സൃഷിട്ടിച്ച് നനാവിധ ദിശകളും, വിഭിന്ന സമയ ചക്രങ്ങളും, സങ്കൽപ്പ യാത്രകളും പ്രാപ്തമാക്കുന്ന സവിശേഷതയായി പരിണമിക്കുന്നു.
The grandeur of the Ghats is nothing short of spectacular. The meticulously choreographed, repetitive rituals involving shimmering oil lamps and other ceremonial elements hold spectators in a mesmerizing trance. Groups of men, dressed in a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary attire, come together during the early morning and evening hours, marking the transitions of the sun with grace and devotion as they worship the sacred river Ganga. What's striking is the varying degrees of investment made by each of these groups in their rituals. The continuous stream of religious ceremonies in this region reflects the tireless dedication of the people, driven by a complex interplay of religious beliefs and state influence. Here, beneath the surface, religious and state propaganda subtly intertwine to fuel this never-ending devotion to spiritual liberation, or moksha. The demographic diversity of this place is truly remarkable. During my visit, I was captivated by the performative nature of the pūjari, the priest, and the global community that had gathered to witness these rituals. The Ghats, with their wide spectrum of experiences and the narrow pathways that lead to them, left an indelible impression on me, beckoning me to return. In the midst of this grandeur, it's impossible to ignore the stark realities of inequality, injustice, and human suffering. These harsh truths are illuminated by the flickering flames of devotion. Even when one attains a state of pure bliss, the memories of these experiences linger, a constant reminder of the profound complexities of life.
Travelers, regardless of their backgrounds, are drawn to the allure of ascending heights, where the air carries exotic fragrances. Here, one side reveals the pungent odors of drainage, while unexpectedly, the other side unveils a world of perfumes, attire, and jewels that define the essence of authenticity. These are the individuals who could be considered the successors of the Ghats, particularly the children who don the garb of Hindu deities, resembling Shiva and Parvati. Yet, the authenticity of their portrayals raises compelling questions. It's awe-inspiring to witness the exchange of spiritual wealth amidst the backdrop of impatient and unruly crowds, a spectacle where the precision of worship unfolds amid logistical complexities. Amidst the myriad shades that intermingle between the Ghats and the echoes of silence that occasionally envelop the scene, there's a fleeting moment when one contemplates whether a return is even necessary. This place, with its misty mornings and scorching sunshine juxtaposed with the solemnity of cremations, seems like a tangible utopia. The individuals who tend to the departed spirits, the custodians of an entire culture, are ever-present, yet an aura of duplicity permeates the entire landscape. The social fabric weaves a continuous tapestry of ceremonies, and the human endeavor behind it all remains a profound enigma, a force that beckons, tugging at your very being, compelling you to return.
One seeking mind body prosperity both in earth and heaven and the other for few rupees for the day...
The tamed flames, as they sway gracefully in the gentle breeze, possess an intoxicating allure. They are the embodiment of desire, enchanting our curiosity and reigning as the supreme force of fire. Their generosity lies in their ability to offer up prime energy willingly. Yet, in the grand fabric of divinity, these flames have been coerced into a new narrative, one that has transformed them into a noxious, harmful presence. These flames, once symbols of purity and disinfection, have taken a dark turn. From their inception until today, what was once a means of purification has become a source of destruction. The extremes of righteousness have confined their fumes to one end, resulting in the incineration of countless innocent lives. Human desires, driven by religion and unquenchable greed, have rendered these revolutionary flames both sacred and deadly. These revolutionary flames, once ablaze with the passion for change, have been dampened by the commodification of our society. Our care, our solidarity, our art, and our collective intelligence have all fallen victim to this dampening effect. Yet, the flames continue to dance, perhaps unaware of the dire consequences they now pose to our very existence, casting a shadow over the vibrant manifestations of life.
Amidst the fading exuberance of the exotic, one can find the fire that burns within. It's in those moments when the clamor of the world threatens to confine you to the confines of the ordinary. It's in these instances that you must embark on a journey, not just for the sake of movement but to rediscover the faith in your existence. As you traverse this path, allow your roots, once in dispute, to find reconciliation along the way. Mend the wounds of those seemingly endless nights, and patiently await the dawn of a new day. This journey becomes an endless cycle, a perpetual contemplation of the city's intricate and cunning manifestations. Allow this fire to serve as the bond, the unifying force. Let it ascend and soar to the peaks of water, a graceful dance of elements in flawless harmony. Embrace it as the guiding light leading towards eternity, where the notions of being and nothingness blend into a singular, seamless existence.
"Phenomenally Pūjari" serves as a documentation of carefully choreographed sets of rituals. It encapsulates the intricate interplay of objects, space, movement, and sound within the realm of each individual pūjari, forming a harmonious ensemble that transcends conventional criticism. In the backdrop of our contemporary world, we find religion in the diaspora grappling with the heavy-handed influence of a fascist and capitalist nation. This influence manifests as intrusive interventions, brutal oppression, and concerted efforts to undermine the very foundations of freedom.
In the realm of Non-Linear Encounters, we find a profound transformation in the way consumption impacts the often unfortunate livelihoods of individuals. Here, the visible and the concealed coexist, each instance marked by a delicate interplay of arrangements, placements, harmony, and dissonance. Within this intricate symphony, we witness the merging of mutual dependence and power dynamics, giving rise to a complex mosaic of human experiences. It beckons us to ponder: Where do our memories seek solace? They find their sanctuary within the nurturing embrace of fragmented life, where they entwine with objects, becoming an integral part of our very essence. This dance of memory encapsulates not only the jubilant moments of existence but also the somber undertones of mortality, blurring the distinctions between human and animal forms, and leaving us with the lingering echoes of serendipitous encounters. In this layered narrative, peace finds its place, expanding the horizons of normativity. These encounters are more than just passive observers; they are the beholders of a larger-than-life reality, where authenticity and profundity converge, inviting us to delve deeper into the multifaceted dimensions of existence, 2019-2020.
Amidst the ordinary, off-season moments, a closer examination reveals bodies imbued with melancholy, deeply affected by the relentless march of time. They stand as witnesses, waiting, resisting, and simply living. They are resolutely disengaged from the frequently aimless present of our modern age. Through this photographic series captured at the Ghats of Varanasi, I endeavor to deconstruct the linear boundaries that separate space, time, history, and the culturally ingrained way of perceiving this city. This deconstruction serves as a window into the realm of everyday, mundane human existence and labor.
The subject of boats emerges as a poignant symbol, materializing culture amid the chaos. These seemingly still objects possess the remarkable ability to transport masses from one shore to another, encapsulating the essence of the region's heritage, and the lives of both natives and immigrants. They exist in almost imperceptible continuity, from the early light of dawn to the fading hues of sunset.
My quest for aesthetics in these images goes beyond the mere search for beauty. It aims to document the profound harmony found in these floating spectacles, set against the vast canvas of expansive water bodies.
While human figures and their individual stories may appear distant within the frames, they serve as a crucial element, facilitating a broader narrative that weaves together space, objects, and the human form. Within this transient stillness, amidst the silence and casual movements, living and non-living entities coexist, waiting, perhaps, for longevity, harmony, and peace within the ever-evolving temporality of the land, defined by the contemporary notion we call a Nation, in the year 2020.
Title of the performance: A non – violent Kiss
January, 2020.
The performance serves as a powerful medium for unearthing the forgotten, often concealed rituals and memories that underscore the very essence of our existence, including the enigmatic journey between life and death. Within this realm, love and kindness emerge not only as sentiments but as potent forms of protest. This performance, with its critical and at times satirical approach, delves deep into the domains of spirituality, exploitation, power, and dominance. It bravely confronts these intricate facets of human existence, seeking to reclaim the often-overlooked otherness and the innate non-human presence that resides within each of us and in the very fabric of the world that surrounds us. As we immerse ourselves in this performance, we become witnesses to a transformative exploration that challenges our perceptions, stimulates our senses, and beckons us to reflect on the profound interconnectedness that binds us to both the tangible and intangible aspects of our shared human experience. In this evocative journey, the boundaries between self and another blur, and we find ourselves in a captivating dance with the mysteries of life and the enigma of our collective consciousness.
Weaving home: Warp and Woof of the Culture. Aesthetics of Junu Gogoi and Uma Singphu, Predominantly they run the family from the very small income from this craft, 2020.
Singpho Tribal home's Singpho" is the local pronunciation of "Jingpho". The Jingpho ethnic group refers to those who speak Jingpo as their mother tongue. Historically the tribes migrated to India and scattered in different parts of northeast India. This series showcases traditional Singpho houses that exist in the modern era. Also, it tells us how they defended certain developmental trends in architecture and kept alive these fascinating traditional practices of architecture for building houses, 2020.
Towards the end of the slide.
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Three dots moving in infinite.
A set of profoundly rooted fabric flowers.
A window.
Dark. Layers. Unseen.
An eternal itching to find the dust and its sparks.
The imaginary illuminations of dream to reality, The enigmatic dance between dreams and reality unfolds against a backdrop of darkness, where boats traverse the shadowy waters, carrying with them the hopes and aspirations of people. It is a journey marked by the ethereal glow of the imagination, a bridge that connects the realms of the subconscious with the tangible world. As the boundary between dream and reality blurs, a profound sense of wonder envelops us. The realm of dreams, with its limitless possibilities, beckons us to explore the unknown and embark on journeys of the mind that transcend the confines of our waking lives. It is a place where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, where the boundaries of time and space are fluid, and where the impossible becomes a mere suggestion. However, this ethereal journey is not without its challenges. It is a path fraught with the complexities of the human experience, shaped by the intricate algorithms of our collective humanity. As knowledge seekers, we navigate this labyrinthine landscape, searching for meaning and significance in a world that often appears elusive and enigmatic. In this quest for understanding, we find ourselves on a perpetual search for the proverbial fruit of knowledge. It is a quest that leads us to explore the far reaches of our own consciousness, seeking answers and insights in places that may seem elusive or intangible. Yet, it is in these moments of exploration and introspection that we come to realize the profound interconnectedness of dreams and reality. The imaginary illuminations of the dream to reality serve as a reminder that our perceptions and experiences are shaped by both the tangible and intangible forces that surround us. In the ever-evolving tapestry of human existence, we are both the dreamers and the architects of our reality, forever seeking to unravel the mysteries of the world and our place within it.
This series is one among from the ongoing archive of different series of titles around water bodies.
A group of folk - traditional community music group preparing for a public protest demonstration in northeast India, 2020.
Sur Samalaya Resource Centre for Arts is an independent institution; working in the field of culture especially focused on the state of Assam (situated in the northeastern part of India). For SSRCA ‘Culture’ is a category that connects to various sub-categories: Geography, Identity, and History of a particular area. The centre established in 1990's and founded by Mr. Dijen Gogoi.
border lands of Assam and Meghalaya, 2019.
Title of the Performance: روح / Rooh
December, 2019.
The performance stands as a poignant juncture, a convergence of various humanitarian crises reverberating across the globe. It serves as a stark reflection of the narratives imposed by states, narratives of nationalism, citizenship, and migrations. In this meticulously crafted tableau, the performer leaves behind traces of their existence in the ephemeral space of an arroyo, only to vanish into the obscurity of the night. The procession unfolds slowly, beginning in the daylight and culminating in the encompassing darkness. Along this solemn journey, voices resonate, and whispers of silence emerge, carrying the weight of the oppressed. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering integrity of those who have endured the trials of life, often losing both their livelihoods and their very lives in the face of the anti-humanitarian actions perpetrated by the power structures that govern our society. At its core, this performance transcends the boundaries of time and space, inviting us to reflect on the timeless struggles of humanity against the forces that seek to divide and oppress. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, a spirit that persists even in the face of adversity and injustice. We are confronted with the harsh realities of our world, where individuals are displaced, marginalized, and silenced by systems that prioritize power and control over compassion and empathy. It compels us to confront our own complicity in these narratives and challenges us to stand in solidarity with those who continue to bear the brunt of these injustices. The performance serves as a call to action, a reminder that the stories of the oppressed are not confined to distant lands or far-off times. They are woven into the very fabric of our society, and it is our collective responsibility to bear witness, to amplify their voices, and to work towards a more just and equitable world. As we contemplate the journey of the performer, disappearing into the darkness, we are reminded that their story is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the countless individuals who have been marginalized and oppressed. It is a call to recognize our shared humanity and to strive for a future where narratives of division and exclusion are replaced by narratives of unity, compassion, and justice.
In the end, the performance serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, a strength that persists even in the face of the most daunting challenges. It is a celebration of resilience, a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a world where every individual is afforded the dignity, respect, and opportunity they deserve.
Transplaced bodies in the making of a Legacy Nation and National Entities, 2019.