Telling Time Under The Soil Exploring the Diverse Artistic Practices of South Asian Women Artists “The work of art can elicit a demand for a response that is neither national nor confined to a narrow temporal frame—and this is certainly the case with modernism. But contemporary art also... Show More

Telling Time Under The Soil Exploring the Diverse Artistic Practices of South Asian Women Artists “The work of art can elicit a demand for a response that is neither national nor confined to a narrow temporal frame—and this is certainly the case with modernism. But contemporary art also possesses a double edge. On the one hand, it urges us to be attentive above all to the structures of the present. On the other hand, because contemporary art visualises social and psychic fault lines so astutely, it possesses the capacity to transform our understanding of our most acute dilemmas.”- Iftikhar Dadi, The Middle East and South Asia : Aesthetic Mobilities This exhibition brings together a diverse range of South Asian artistic expressions, highlighting the interconnectedness of these practices. It aims to foster dialogue and critical thinking, inviting viewers to engage with the various perspectives presented. This approach aligns with Iftikhar Dadi's observation that contemporary art can both illuminate the present and offer insights into our most pressing challenges. By exploring the rich tapestry of South Asian art, this exhibition seeks to expand our understanding of the region's artistic landscape and its impact on the global art scene. The region's unique and multifaceted landscape also has its resonance in its art and culture, and the exhibition aims to navigate this intricate terrain, providing a nuanced understanding of South Asian artistic practices. The historical topography of South Asia is interwoven with threads of colonialism, partition, liberation wars, ethnic and religious conflicts, and economic and political changes. These events have significantly influenced the artistic practices of South Asian artists, leaving an indelible imprint on the social and cultural fabric of the region. Themes, styles, and perspectives reflected in the works of the artists are indicative of the repercussions of these various trajectories. The title “Telling Time Under the Soil,” which is derived from Nabaneeta Dev Sen's poem “Memories of a Floral Clock,” conjures an intriguing exploration of the passage of time, its visceral impact on our lives, and its capacity to unearth buried memories and emotions. This show also explores how South Asian women artists have embodied the concept of time. Time, often perceived as an abstract entity, takes on tangible forms in the natural world and the human body. The presence of time becomes more tangible as we age and navigate the cycle of life and death. The exhibition delves into the ways in which artists have absorbed and encapsulated this elusive concept in their work, exposing the vestiges of time that are inextricably linked to their creations. The liberating essence present at the core of their artistic practice resonates with the unbound nature of the time. The works of these women artists showcase a dynamic mix of media, materials, and techniques, defying conventional categorization. Through innovative approaches, they question and often subvert traditional artistic norms, embedding their socio-political consciousness, environmental concerns, and aesthetic sensibilities. South Asian women artists use new media and materials to challenge societal conventions, creating powerful discourses that give voice to marginalised perspectives and reflect art's liberating potential. The exhibition showcases artistic interventions that incorporate Indigenous art forms, questioning conventional hierarchies between high and low art while examining the cultural landscape of the region. By incorporating Indigenous aesthetics and materials, these works dismantle traditional concepts and foster critical discourse. The interplay between contemporary works that are imbued with Indigenous aesthetic idiom that embodies the essence of contemporary time creates a space for re-examining established ideas and motivates meaningful discourse. Against the backdrop of South Asia's rich cultural heritage, this exhibition presents a curated selection of works by women artists who have defied rigid conventions and reshaped the artistic landscape. While not exhaustive, the exhibition offers a nuanced perspective on the wide spectrum of women's artistic practices across generations and contexts. The exhibition is structured within thematic divisions, harmonising coherence with distinct artistic expression. The fluid configuration invites viewers to engage with the artworks at their own pace, cultivating individual connections and unforeseen revelations.Show less