ANIMAL, PLANET
I believe, we stand at the cusp of, what could possibly termed in mythological terms as, ‘kalyug’. The human being, apparently the most evolved of the species, seems to be taking over our planet in more ways than one. While we have had numerous break throughs, in various fields, that stake our claim to the top spot in the evolution hierarchy, it all comes at a price. Is this a subject that has been talked about too much? If yes, then how come we still find ourselves at a junction where scepticism contributes a major part of our judgement, thus clouding our attempts to make amends? The issues may not be as direct as they sound. They delve deeper and leave us with little time to retrospect.

Adil and Priya talk about the relationship of living beings with their planet in a philosophical and metaphysical context. While Adil Writer explores a series of much needed up-cycled ceramics, in the process adding sustainability to his already prolific list of techniques. Priya Sundaravalli elocutes in more spiritual notes and talks about the ever engulfing universal truth…. that we all are of and from the same micro-energy. There are certain eco-systems that are major contributors to the balance of the planet, that go unnoticed by most of us. Antra Sinha dwells on bees and their habitat. She finds this in abundance in the architecture of the bee hive and expertly recreates the essence of those forms. While Antra is inspired by the airborne, Jane Jermyn sets her sights underwater. She links the matter that she studies with the medium that she studies it in. Unicellular Radiolaria, in the multitudes of forms they exist in, strike her fancy and she creates her interpretations of them. Khushboo and Neha make more direct observations. Khushboo Madnani talks about a particular practice that is considered a norm in todays world… wildlife trafficking. Neha Gawand Pullarwar’s grouse, is against an attitude, that comprises the very nature of our species. That of power… and within that power, the ability to repress and restrain what we deem to be below us. Are we justified?… is the question they ask… and it seems that they get their answer from Rakhee’s inspirations. Rakhee Kane talks about the interdependence of creatures.

As Indians, we are constantly aware of certain beliefs and traditions that form part of our cultural heritage. Be it in the form of narrations from the epics or simple observations, they are ever present and we find that we relate to certain mythological concepts. Whether we believe in the narrative or not, is irrelevant! Indrani, Shampa and myself find ourselves contemplating the socio-cultural aspects of our relationship with nature.

Indrani Singh Cassime seems to derive strength from one such mythological figure, the Kite. Shampa Shah inter twines the forms she notices in rural village shrines along with her amazement at natures resilience. Anjani’s Yalis depict a consciousness about leaving a very light footprint behind. And I find myself looking for hope… though I am intrigued by underwater forms, I find myself dwelling on the various natural forms that signify broken homes.

This group of artists succeeds in retrospecting on various facets of animals, living species and their relationships with the home ground that nurtures them. While using ceramics as their chosen medium of expression, themes like sustainability, rebellion, metaphysical origins, natural symmetries, habitat and behavioural patterns, greed, power, sustenance, faith and belief are explored. That clay is the medium used by all of us to express our views is perhaps apt to the subject at hand. It is off the Earth!
Curated by Shayonti Salvi