Holi
The artwork explores the interplay between the festival's traditional celebration of color and the darker, more complex social narratives that unfold in tandem with the festive rites.
Date
April 2013
Dimension
16ftx6ft, Banned Artwork
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Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai
The “Don’t be offended, it’s Holi” project is
an evocative art piece that critically
examines the darker undertones of physical
abuse disguised under the festivity of Holi.
By laying a canvas on the floor and engaging with Holi colors directly on it—a process filmed and projected onto the same canvas—it melds performance with visual art to provoke thought on consent and personal boundaries. Initially receiving appreciation, the artwork faced censorship due to its uncensored depiction, highlighting the complex interplay between artistic freedom and societal norms. This confrontation led to the artwork’s removal under threats of legal action and personal safety, underscoring the challenges artists face in navigating censorship and self-censorship. Through this project, the artist not only confronts the misuse of traditional festivities for perpetrating abuse but also reflects on the broader implications of silencing artistic expression.
Too Controversial
The images portray the remnants of a once vibrant and interactive artwork, a canvas that now stands as a testament to the celebration of Holi, and the aftermath it leaves on the streets. The abstract display of colors across the canvas mirrors the scattered hues one might find on a street after Holi has been fervently celebrated—every smear and splash a relic of joy, revelry, and the collective spirit of the festival. Yet, these pieces, being the remnants of an artwork that faced destruction, also embody a narrative of loss and suppression, evoking a contemplation on the fragility of expression and the endurance of art in the face of adversity. These images, survivors of censorship, now serve as the sole witnesses to the original artwork’s message and existence, carrying the weight of its silenced commentary within their vivid yet somber chaos.
