Identity
Identity and self are no exception, vividly bringing to life the stories and backgrounds of individuals, woven into the fabric of everyday life. My narrative is deeply personal, reflecting my journey of self-discovery and the universal quest for belonging and recognition. This performance marked the opening of Not Just a Garden at Pune Biennale 2017.
Date
January 2017
Medium
Performance Art, Installation
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Pune Biennale, 2017
Set in a historic public space, this installation invited visitors to experience LGBTQ+ stories through art—challenging perceptions, sparking conversations, and fostering a sense of shared humanity.
In this performance, 60 meters of vibrant fabrics and dynamic movement are employed to convey the fluidity and multiplicity of identity. The use of color and textiles is not merely decorative but serves as a symbolic language, each hue and texture representing different facets of identity and experience, specifically representing LGBTQ flag colours. This choice of medium is significant, as it reflects the layered and often complex nature of self-understanding and expression.
Identity and Self
Identity flows, never still
My creative practice stands out for its emphasis on dialogue and interaction. The performance is conceived as a conversation, not just between the artist and the audience, but also among the viewers themselves. The performance being the opening act of the Pune Biennale, fosters a communal space where diverse identities can be acknowledged, celebrated, and reflected upon. This aspect of my work underscores the potential of performance art to act as a catalyst for social reflection and change.
This performance and installation, was a statement of audacity and courage amidst the backdrop of a nation in debate over IPC Section 377. The law, a colonial relic criminalizing same-sex relationships, cast a shadow over the expression of queer identities, making the performance not only an act of artistic expression but also one of defiance and solidarity. The performance, set against the larger canvas of societal protest and the fight for decriminalization, risked backlash and censorship, yet it underscored the urgency for change and the power of art to advocate for it.
As an artist, aligning with the LGBT movement during such a pivotal moment in Indian history was a testament to the conviction that art should participate in the critical discourses of the time, despite potential legal and social ramifications. It was a dance on the precipice of legal reform—a bold call for acceptance in the face of prevailing prejudice, embodying the hope for a more inclusive future.
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