When you think of the world in thirty years, do you imagine flying cars and jetpacks? Medical breakthroughs? Or, with how hot Mumbai is right now, perhaps ecological collapse? We rarely think of the empowerment of marginalized communities as a piece of the jigsaw puzzle of the future. 

Art and Charlie’s newest multi-artist exhibition reimagines all of this. 'Will Still Remain', curated by Rahul Kumar, challenges societal norms. It delves deep into the heart of Dalit futurism, challenging entrenched social hierarchies and envisioning a transformative future.

At the core of the exhibition lies a powerful narrative of mutation and hybridity. The artworks personify characters that defy conventional boundaries. They embody non-binary fluidity as a metaphor for disrupting assigned social roles and rewriting established histories. This defiance questions the arbitrary structures of caste that have long dictated societal dynamics.

Seven different artists come together to paint a portrait of the Dalit experience, while remaining firmly rooted in joy as resistance. Aban Raza, Birender Yadav, Sharbendu De, Tahsin Akhtar, Saviya Lopes, Sonia Mehra Chawla, and Vikrant Bhise each approach this ethos from a unique lens — informed and motivated by their environments and lived reality.

Drawing inspiration from the artists’ roots in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, nature emerges as a recurring and complex motif. It symbolizes both the abundance of life and the trauma linked to labor and bondage. Nature is portrayed as a dual force — nurturing yet oppressive — reflecting how it has been wielded to justify subjugation.

A significant aspect of Will Still Remain is the reclamation and reinvention of mythologies. The exhibition critically examines Hindu scriptures and ancient Sanskrit texts that have historically perpetuated discrimination against lower-caste individuals. It exposes how these myths have legitimized caste-based oppression and calls for a conscious resistance against dominant Brahmanical spirituality.

The exhibition champions bodily autonomy and self-determination. We rarely see positive imagery associated with the Dalit community. Different works counteract this scarcity with joyful depictions that envision a future free from stereotypes.

"Is violence always physical?"

This question sets the stage for an exploration of violence in its many forms. Within this expanded context, it investigates indirect forms of violence that often go unnoticed. Conversely, the exhibition contemplates the paradox of non-violence in a world where life and death are intertwined. Is pure non-violence attainable when you need to harm to survive, even in natural processes?

Through various mediums and processes, the exhibition weaves narratives that dissect and interpret resilience against violence. Will Still Remain is a testament to the strength of marginalized communities and the enduring human spirit.

Will Still Remain is on view till December 1, 2024 at Art and Charlie, Mumbai.

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