"For I have known them all already, known them all:
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons."
— T.S. Eliot, an excerpt from the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
These iconic lines from one of the most celebrated poems in the English language give a window into man reflecting on his own sense of existential ennui and disillusionment through the voice of the speaker, Prufrock.
He shares with the readers his apathy towards the world and how nothing excites him anymore. The last line is a metaphor for Prufrock's sense of insignificance and the triviality of his existence. It suggests that his life has been marked by small, mundane routines, represented by the act of measuring out coffee with spoons.
This mundane repetition underscores Prufrock's feelings of alienation in society. The poem takes us into the deepest recesses of the human mind much like the art exhibition we are going to explore today.
Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons, an ongoing exhibition by Mumbai’s APRE Art House, is inspired both thematically and titularly by Eliot’s distinguished poem. The exhibition provides an uncensored glimpse into the personal thoughts and emotions of individuals.
It explores how artists interpret and express the deep intricacies of the home. Intimacy, which is inherently complex, is primarily found within domestic spaces. Eliot's work offers a poetic perspective through which we can reflect on the innermost thoughts, worries, and self-reflections that occur within our homes.
Similar to how Prufrock evaluates his life through coffee spoons, we frequently evaluate our domestic lives through quotidian rituals—moments of being solitude and introspection that are kept private from others.
"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,"
— Allen Ginsberg, opening line of the poem Howl
As a literature student, the opening line of one of the greatest American poems ever written always gives me goosebumps. The exhibition also draws inspiration from Howl. The poem is presented as a thought-provoking response, celebrating rebellion, non-conformity, and the conflicting elements commonly observed in everyday life.
The exhibition aims to question established social norms and challenge the "best minds of [a] generation", delving into the influence of personal spaces in confronting and defying conventions, stimulating contemplation, and pushing the limits of artistic creativity.
By challenging deeply ingrained societal customs and examining the most brilliant individuals of a certain time, the exhibition aims to reveal the power of private spaces in subverting norms, encouraging thoughtful reflection, and surpassing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Curated by Prerna SM Jain, this exhibition draws inspiration from the poems of T.S. Eliot and Allen Ginsberg to explore the complex relationship between personal introspection and the wider social and cultural context.
It analyzes the emotional, societal, and psychological aspects that shape human experiences within these distinct spheres. Through the artworks of nine Indian artists, the exhibition invites viewers to delve into the intricate pathways of personal relationships, self-discovery, and vulnerability.
This exploration encourages contemplation of the multiple layers of meaning in each artwork, the interplay between personal and thought-provoking elements, and the intricate narratives of human experiences.
Here are some of the artworks on display:
Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons
On view till: 15th May, 2024
Timings: Mon- Sat., 11 am to 7 pm
Venue: Apre Art House
Address: Plot No. 28, Sanghvi House, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba
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