SAF 2022
RESERVED
My project tackles the concepts of "Caste" and "Perception" in India by conducting ethnographic research which translated into a Curated - Interactive Art Space.
Caste is notional
EXHIBITION DESIGN
ALLEGORY
ARTISTIC RESEARCH
AESTHETICS & LEXICON
VISUAL ART
WRITING & SCULPTING
ETHNOGRAPHY
AI
COLLABORATORS
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SUPRIYA DONGRE
ARTIST, DESIGNER, CURATOR
SUMIT BARUAH
ART DIRECTION, CURATOR
SUMIT SAIKIA
VIDEO PRODUCTION
SHANKAR RAVI DAS
ART PRODUCTION
SURYA SATHI ROY
SOUND ARTIST
DIBYOJYOTI DEKA
SCULPTING, ART PRODUCTION
EXHIBITION
SERENDIPITY ARTS FESTIVAL 2022
GOA
INTRODUCTION
In India, as per the scriptures the Hindu society was divided in 4 varnas (based on occupation) - and the lowest in order 5th varna - the untouchables (a group who were engaged in jobs considered polluted by other 4). Eventually these strict occupation groups translated to caste identities and have dictated the power hierarchies for thousands of years.
Today, the age old 5th varna still remains the lowest in social order and the community is is referred to as "Dalits".
" The work is a revitalized engagement with the topic of modern day Untouchability and Caste representation. "
Dalits have long fought for Human rights & Political rights since before independence. The struggles continues in the modern today where the community is actively protesting for dignity, education, social-economic advancements, political representation etc.
The issue of caste atrocities & disadvantages is deep routed in Indian systems and disguised as modern day slavery. To solve it will require a disruptive approach in policy & education.
INEQUALITY
&
GAZE
RESIDENCY
SERENDIPITY ARTS
RESIDENCY - 22
SAR is a trans-disciplinary program which provides a grant, work space and a vast inventory to 4 trans-disciplinary individuals (artists) each year to develop anthropological research work and design a public exhibition for the same.
The residency was a mix of opportunities, such as -
Artist talks & meetings
Critical art writing
Sound design
Gallery visits
Public & private archives
Storytelling
Spatial design
Curated talks
ETHNOGRAPHY
ETHNOGRAPHIC
RESEARCH
The ethnographic study was carried out to collect the behavioral data and understand collective consciousness of the community.
OBSERVA
-TIONAL
ANECDOTAL
" A total of 30 interviews were conducted with a range of demographic participation - Mostly focused on the experiences of 1st & 2nd generation educated dalit youth.
The inferences has been kept in confidence due to the sensitivity of the subject. I would be happy to discuss the analysis of the ethnographic study in person.
AI & PERCEPTION
CODED
BIASES
Computer generated images and AI engines like Midjourney & Dalle 2 were used to create images with prompts that were collected from the ethnographic research & anecdotes from the community.
EXHIBITION DESIGN
RESEARCH
EXHIBITION
CONCEPT
The feedback from the open studio led to further research into Dalit history, Dalit literature, family archives, Collective consciousness, intergenerational trauma, and more interviews were conducted.
The analysis took concept of untouchability as the key shared experience & a mediator of collective consciousness for the community.
The untouchable is the polluted one.
The exhibition was designed to be a disruption in inherent biases, but breaking the barrier of judgement through physical intervention - that is to talk about untouchability - introduction of "touch" became a key concept.
We also experimented with "induced synesthesia" to bring immersivity & to democratize story telling. Audience was encouraged to create their own understanding and narrative.
" Induced Synesthesia - a deliberate stimulation of more than one senses "
Caste Biases are Deeprooted
To bypass bias we need to trigger biases
Inferences
Material
Texture
Visual
Texture
Induced Synesthesia
ART
PRODUCTION
According to the concept of social untouchability - it related to being involved acts of pollution.
Pollution is - anything dead, dirty, foul, blood etc.
Which is why most untouchables were involved in the occupation of cremation, cleaning, postmortem, skinning etc.
7
sculptures
7
visuals
Sculptures of different materials & textures
Abstract visual
storytelling &
performaces
BEHIND
THE SCENES
Process -
1. Story boarding & prototyping using 3d renders of sculptures & concept renders for environments.
2. Location Rece
3. Physical prototypes of sculptures & improvisations
4. Final sculptures & renders
OUTCOME
EXHIBITION
LAYOUT
Distance, Height, Sequencing, Lighting, Sound -
all the parameters were mindfully curated for the particular sensation. This altogether helped create an immersive experience, which led to each individual creating their own narrative of the space. Each narrative then constitutes as unique & interpersonal experience of caste realities.
Below is the 3D mockup of the exhibition.
Documentation of the Public Exhibition in Goa.
My project as a spatial interactive installation at the public exhibition at Serendipity Arts Festival Goa 2022.
Documentation of the open studio held in Serendipity Studio, New Delhi.
