Artistic Exploration of Identity and Belonging at Kochi Exhibition
In contemporary society, where questions of identity and belonging increasingly dominate social discourse, a thought-provoking artistic project has emerged to offer deep reflection on these themes. "Tension of Belongings", presented at the prestigious Students' Biennale, provides a compelling examination of how communities navigate memory, culture, and lived experience through creative expression.
Exhibition Framework and Curatorial Vision
Displayed at the BMS (Brights) Warehouse in Kochi, this significant exhibition meticulously explores the layered meanings of belonging, with particular focus on communities shaped by migration and shared historical experiences. The show has been thoughtfully curated by Seethal C P and Sudheesh Kottembram, who have brought together works from three talented artists from Andhra Pradesh.
The curatorial framework draws inspiration from collective memories of communities that migrated from various regions of India to Andhra Pradesh, highlighting how identity undergoes constant formation and redefinition through cultural exchange and adaptation. Seethal explained that the project originated from careful observation of the inherent 'tensions' within cultural belongings as shaped by historical context, labor practices, and everyday rituals.
Diverse Artistic Expressions
The exhibition features three distinct artistic voices, each bringing unique perspectives to the central theme:
Vaditha Hari Naik, from Dr YSR Architecture and Fine Arts University in Kadapa, presents works deeply rooted in her Banjara heritage. Her innovative approach involves creating acrylic paintings on rotis (traditional flatbreads), using this unconventional medium as both material and powerful metaphor. Through this creative choice, she reflects on cultural resilience and the fundamental role of food in daily life and identity preservation. "I wanted to showcase our culture and the importance of rotis in our lives," Naik emphasized, highlighting how everyday objects can carry profound cultural significance.
Gorle Lokesh Kumar, from the fine arts department of Andhra University, draws inspiration from his agricultural background. His painting series centers on the bicycle—an essential tool for farmers, particularly during the Sankranti festival when these vehicles receive ritual decoration. Through symbolic elements like mango leaves, lemons, and ornamented wheel rims, Kumar explores themes of faith, protection, and gratitude within agricultural communities. "My artworks reflect the struggles and joys of farmers' lives," the artist noted, connecting personal experience with broader cultural narratives.
Ponduru Yogeswar Rao, also from Dr YSR Architecture and Fine Arts University, presents ceramic works that investigate personal and collective narratives shaped by pottery traditions and labor practices. Inspired by childhood experiences with clay, his pieces draw upon memory and community practices, further developed through advanced ceramic techniques that bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression.
Cultural Significance and Contemporary Relevance
This exhibition arrives at a crucial moment when discussions about identity, migration, and cultural preservation are particularly relevant in India's diverse social landscape. By examining how communities negotiate their sense of belonging through artistic mediums, "Tension of Belongings" contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations about cultural heritage in an increasingly interconnected world.
The project demonstrates how art can serve as a powerful vehicle for exploring complex social themes, offering viewers opportunities to reflect on their own relationships with culture, memory, and community. Through its innovative use of materials and deep engagement with specific cultural contexts, the exhibition provides a nuanced perspective on how identities are continuously shaped and reshaped through artistic practice and cultural exchange.
