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In a recent 'Unfiltered' interview, Vidya Balan spoke about how she, along with many other actors now veer away from talking about politics. She mentions how saying the "wrong" thing today can lead to boycotting of a film that more than 200 people have worked on, causing great losses in revenue.
Vidya highlights an existing sensitization of the political atmosphere that's already pretty charged with heavy leanings and problematic ideologies. But even if we can't address the big elephant in the room openly, artists have and always will find a way to interpret the tension the entire nation feels this election year. Through an upcoming exhibition, the power of design activism emerges as a potent force to reignite essential dialogues. Reflecting on personal experiences of vibrant political discussions fading into the background, 'Gandi Baat' emerges as a collaborative project aimed at revitalizing these crucial conversations through the lens of design activism.
This interdisciplinary endeavor, born from discussions with creative minds across various fields, embodies a multifaceted approach to exploring political discourse. 'Gandi Baat' represents a fusion of insights from diverse artistic and intellectual domains; seeking to offer a nuanced exploration of political themes through design. The exhibition showcases a spectrum of styles and techniques, ranging from playful and direct to metaphoric and abstract. Each product within the project's collection mirrors the complexity of political issues; captivating audiences with its rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives.
At the heart of the exhibition, curated by multidisciplinary art and design practitioner, Swarup Dutta, is the convergence of design, activism, and politics, with designers playing the role of activists; bringing political discourses into focus, engaging users, and igniting curiosity. The exhibition's design aspect is not merely aesthetic but serves as a catalyst for deeper understanding and meaningful dialogue surrounding the interconnectedness between design, activism, and politics.
Among the notable artists contributing to 'Gandi Baat' are Abhishek Ray, Soumitra Adhikari, Achira Basu, Ashish Ghosh, Bazlur Rahaman (Baiju), Meenakshi Sengupta, Phalguni Samanta, Samir Roy, Sanjita Sarkar, Shohini Gupta, Sumanta Chakraborty, Tamal Bhattacharya, Tulu Sarkar, Vivek Kumar, and Swarup Dutta. Each artist brings a unique perspective and creative flair to the exhibition, enriching the discourse with their diverse backgrounds and artistic expressions. The design aspect of the exhibition is not confined to visual aesthetics alone; it extends to mediums such as ceramics, textiles, sculptures, illustrations, and installations.
'Gandi Baat' invites viewers on a journey of introspection, activism, and engagement with political issues. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals to re-engage with politics, celebrate the transformative power of design, and highlight the collective responsibility to shape a more informed and empowered society through art and dialogue.
Gandi Baat takes place from May 4 to June 2, from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM on all days except Monday at 47-A, Khotachi Wadi, Girgaon, Mumbai.
Follow Swarup Dutta here.
