The exhibition evokes imagery of transformation and emerges as a cerebral odyssey that navigates the complex tapestry of toil, subterranean procurement, and the metamorphosis of landscapes. It’s an investigation that weaves together the histories of laborers, the realities of mineral procurement, and the fluidity of urban topographies. Stories of migration which reshapes cityscapes, leaving behind relics of abandoned structures and evolving landscapes that narrate the silent stories of change and deconstruction. As cities pulse with the rhythms of incoming and outgoing residents, the landscapes are marked by cycles of construction and decay, resonating with socio-economic and cultural shifts within the urban fabric. The exhibition captures these dynamics through visual narratives highlighting the interplay between human intervention and natural decay.
Exposing the tough realities of workers in mica and coal mines in the Eastern Ghats, shedding light on the exploitation of workers, the severe living conditions, and the environmental fallout of unregulated mining activities. This underscores the urgent need to reform and support vulnerable communities. Amidst the grim backdrop of hazardous work and exploitation, the exhibition also showcases the resilience and survival of individuals, who find moments of beauty in their camaraderie and the simple joys of life.
Inspired by the concept of the Anthropocene, connecting with the insights of scholar Anna Tsing. Anna Tsing's concept of "friction" highlights the complex interactions between species and landscapes, reminding us that "In chaos, there’s beauty and possibility." These perspectives underscore the exhibition's theme of navigating the intricate narratives of change, transformation, and the potential for beauty and resilience amidst chaos.
The exhibition features a diverse array of artworks that poignantly capture the essence of transient urban contours, the harsh realities of labor, and the beauty that emerges from chaos. Through visual narratives, decaying objects, and landscapes, the artworks serve as a cerebral odyssey, drawing a vivid connection between past and present, navigating the intricate change, movement, and transformation.
