Experiencing “Closed Body” at Durbar Hall Art Gallery
Exploring the unique art installation known as “Closed Body” at Durbar Hall Art Centre offers visitors a glimpse into life during the lockdown and the pandemic. This experiential art show combines photography, video, and installations to delve into the complexities of confinement and the impact it has on artists. Three talented individuals, Sudheer C, K Jayanandan, and Nirmmala Neema, joined forces to capture the essence of 25 women theatre artists navigating their way through a challenging period where opportunities to practice their craft were limited.
The Artistic Vision Behind “Closed Body”
Photographer Sudheer reflects on the genesis of the project, sharing that the idea struck him during lockdown as he pondered the lives of women actors at home during such unprecedented times. While Sudheer brings his photographic expertise to the table, Jayanandan, a teacher and art writer, and Neema, a theatre artist, provide additional perspectives crucial to the project. Together, they aim to explore the psycho-physical reverberations experienced by artists primarily engaged in performance art during the pandemic.
As visitors enter the gallery, they are greeted by a video showcasing the process of transforming the actors’ homes into “performance spaces.” This sets the tone for the remarkable installations that follow, including a suspended mattress featuring a digital print of theatre actor Shylaja Jala in a vulnerable, fetal-like position. The exhibit extends to the first floor, showcasing intimate portraits of artists like Usha Nangiar and Sheethal Shyam in various artistic states.
Capturing Emotions Through Photography
The photographs on display capture the myriad emotions experienced by artists confined to their homes without access to their usual performance venues. These portraits offer a raw and intimate look at the vulnerability of artists adjusting to makeshift theatrical spaces within their homes. Sudheer reveals that the process of capturing these emotions was not without its challenges, as some artists readily embraced the project while others needed time to acclimate to the creative process.
The show, initially conceptualized during the lockdown, made its debut at a house in Chembra, Palakkad, in 2021-22. The artists immersed themselves in the space for months, strategically placing artworks in different functional areas of the house to create a compelling dialogue between art and environment. This innovative approach garnered recognition, with the series being awarded the prestigious Kerala Lalithakal Akademi grant for New Media Art.
Unveiling the Stories Behind the Art
Among the notable artists featured in the series are Sajitha Madathil, Sujatha Jananethri, Athira R, Rajitha Narippatta, Ajitha Nambiar, Athira Dileep, Sinaba PM, and Sreeja KV, each contributing their unique perspective to the collection of still photography and videos. The exhibition at Durbar Hall Art Gallery serves as a culmination of their collective creativity, inviting audiences to witness the emotional depth and artistic exploration captured in each frame.
The “Closed Body” exhibition at Durbar Hall Art Gallery is open to the public until August 31, offering a profound insight into the intersection of art, confinement, and resilience.
Experience the transformative power of art at Durbar Hall Art Gallery as you immerse yourself in the evocative world of “Closed Body,” a captivating exploration of creativity, vulnerability, and the human spirit.