This Week In Culture: A Portrait Of A Dancer, Illustrated Notebooks, & Much More

Every week, discover a comprehensive guide to culture and lifestyle across India with the Homegrown Bulletin. The #HGBulletin includes creative project launches, drops, the latest releases, and much more.

EVENTS

CASA BACARDÍ x Homegrown

Casa Bacardi x Homegrown returns to Bangalore this March, transforming PEBBLE into a vibrant Caribbean haven with a six-hour takeover. The curated festival promises an immersive blend of music, dance, arts, fashion, food, and mixology, embodying Bacardi's Caribbean essence. With over seven performances featuring artists like Kampai and Raka Ashok, three engaging workshops, including Dancehall and Mixology, and pop-ups by fashion brands like Grandma Would Approve and The Santra Project, attendees can expect a dynamic and unforgettable evening celebrating diverse self-expression.

Get your tickets here.

FILM

Strange Freedom - Portrait of a Dancer

Himanshi Handa's new short film, intimately captures Dev's journey as a male dancer in Indian society. The short film explores Dev's deep connection to dance, drawing inspiration from nature's constant creation and re-birth. Through fluid movements and introspective narration, the film challenges societal norms while highlighting Dev's passion for dance. Handa's choice of motion pictures as a medium adds a dynamic layer, creating a powerful exploration of self-expression and artistry rooted in movement.

Check it out here.

PRODUCT DROP

Illustrated Notebooks By That Zany Martian

Inspired by hand-painted Bollywood posters, Bangalore-based illustrator Neha Shetty's psychedelic illustrations breathe life into overlooked narratives. Neha's notebooks and notepads, a recent venture, transcend mere functionality. They serve as statements, subtly addressing societal issues like colourism through South Asian iconography. Beyond aesthetic appeal, these items encourage users to engage with their cultural heritage and challenge norms. The collection, featuring designs like 'BrownGirl Magic' and 'Mango Bite,' reflects Neha's commitment to authentic representation and pushing artistic boundaries.

Check them out here.

ART EXHIBITION

Vichitra By Tejal Patni

'Vichitra,' derived from the Hindi word meaning 'bizarre,' invites viewers on a profound journey beyond superficialities. Tejal Patni's creation departs from traditional art exhibitions, offering a fully immersive experience that blurs the lines between observer and observed. Inspired by an unfinished building in Delhi, 'Vichitra' unfolds tales of diverse individuals transcending physical boundaries through evocative visuals and live performances. The exhibition becomes a testament to the universality of human experience, prompting contemplation on vulnerability, connectivity, and unspoken bonds.

Check it out here.

MUSIC

Time Is Money By Raj, Reble & Bebhukima

Raj's new collaborative track emerges as the lead single from the forthcoming album Culture & Opinions, marking a collaborative effort by New Delhi's Raj, Shillong's Reble, and Mumbai-based Bebhumika. This homegrown track delves into the internal and external struggles faced by artists, navigating the commercialization of creativity in the industry. The song serves as an introspective journey, weaving together harmonies and rhythms to articulate the complexities of the artist's path.

Check it out here.

FASHION

SWGT

SWGT, led by creative director Shweta Gupta, draws inspiration from her mountainous upbringing in Uttarakhand, reflecting the brand's design philosophy rooted in the Himalayan essence. The collections feature flowing silhouettes mirroring mountain streams and earthy tones echoing rugged landscapes. Using meditative textiles like handwoven linen and organic cotton, SWGT prioritizes luxurious comfort and flattering drapes. Beyond aesthetics, the brand embraces traditional Indian handicrafts, incorporating intricate embroidery and delicate beadwork, transforming each piece into a wearable work of art.

Check it out here.

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Raj's New Single Illustrates The Challenges Of Creating Art In A Capitalist Society

How A Mother-Daughter-Owned Brand Is Reviving A Rajasthani Heritage Textile Craft