Beyond the mundane

Khoj Studios is gearing up for the 12th edition of Peers, a multi-media show by five recent graduates. Digbijayee Khatua, Faiza Hasan, Mithun Das, Shailesh BR and <g data-gr-id="59">Utsa</g> Hazarika will be displaying their work made out of matchsticks, earthen pots, disco <g data-gr-id="54">balls</g> and medical illustrations. The three-day event titled Peers 2015 will commence on June 25. <g data-gr-id="60">Promona</g> Sengupta, program manager at Khoj said, “Peers is curated for recent graduates and young <g data-gr-id="61">artistes</g> who are just starting their professional careers. It aims to provide infrastructure, inspiration and mentorship to emerging <g data-gr-id="62">artistes</g> and art practices.”

When asked Khatua about his work, he said, “I have used burnt matchsticks and paper as the medium. I also used photographs and other objects from the Khiriki village like — old wooden frames, water bottles, egg cartons and flower vases. Burnt matchsticks serve as a metaphor for the combustible city and its colossal constructs. My work depicts the contrast and diversity between rural and urban existences in close proximity. These images are sometimes shown in single frames, or otherwise fragmented or spilling out of the frames.” 

Faiza Hasan’s project largely uses medical illustrations of the 18th Century, and of later, that illustrate the different aspects of optometry. These drawings come together in the form of a large atlas that is composed of numerous pages, <g data-gr-id="57">pockets</g> and sections. On this Hasan commented, “Among the other ideas that are also explored in the pages of the atlas are those of scrutiny and censorship that arise from my own discomfort.”

Das’s works celebrate the uncanny. The motif constantly <g data-gr-id="45">recur</g> his imagery speak of desires as well as of unknown the fears. “I constantly push myself in order to express my emotions through numerous marks on the surface. These marks not only decipher the tale of pleasure and pain but also hint at dreams and nightmares. My figures constantly evolve from one form to the other, like an unidentified metamorphosing creature. Sensuality is an integral part of my images,” he said. 

Shailesh BR’s work are inspired by the frequent tremors recently experienced in Delhi. His work involves a series of drawings completed with text that greatly derives from his own thoughts and musings over the idea of <g data-gr-id="42">earthquake</g> and the symbolism of the <g data-gr-id="37">boar</g>. He uses stationary as well as interactive sculptures (simple machines) to express his ideas.

Hazarika introduces materials and objects into her video <g data-gr-id="51">practice,</g> and investigates the ways of storytelling they create together with the moving image. Using reflective surfaces allow her to work with new possibilities of the kinds of ‘screens’ onto which video is projected. She introduces symbolism and associations of manufactured objects into the work with earthen <g data-gr-id="58">matkas</g> and disco balls. She uses sound to bring these elements together through the final installations piece(s).