D.N.A.

1.Could you tell us in your own words what your current exhibition is 
about?
The current exhibition titled 'Rainbow Of Refuse' is meant to evoke a whole 
range of responses from the seductive to the dreadful. It explores the myths 
and realities of war; associated with courage and national pride on the one 
hand and the resultant waste it generates on the other, whether it has to do 
with the loss of human lives or the destruction of property. Broadly, the 
work reflects on the institutionalisation of violence and attempts to 
critique these dehumanising institutions that have a stong bearing on our 
existence by foregrounding the fragility of the human condtion.

2. Why is the British Raj such an integral part? What makes it relevant even 
today?
We cannot wish away the history of colonisation and the impact the imperial 
powers left behind. "Memoria Corona" is modelled on the crown of the queen 
of England, queen Elizabeth II, that carries the Kohinoor, the most precious 
diamond we lost to the British Empire. The surface of this sculpture is 
completely covered with names of freedom fighters almost like a memorial to 
those who fought the freedom struggle.  By evoking the loss of human lives I 
wanted the crown to carry the weight of these other precious treasures we 
lost to the empire.

3. Such an exhibition is so multifaceted - there are so many components to 
it - do you feel it might be difficult for people to take it all in in one 
go? Or are you expecting people to take in one thing at a time/one concept 
at a time?
Art works do unexpected things to different people. A lot of meanings are 
implied and not overtly stated. Some might find one thing interesting while 
others might carry questions on others. The idea is to try and stimulate the 
imagination rather than provide conclusions.

4. Is there a particular incident that you associate with the germination of 
this idea? Something that happened, something you read, something you saw or 
something someone said?
I'm fascinated by the beautiful illustrations in the Razmnama, translations 
of the Mahabharat in Persian made as an attempt to try and understand these 
texts during the time of Akbar. The demon drawings that recur in my 
paintings are sourced both from here and the Pahari miniatures, where Durga 
is often shown slaying the asuras   Although meant to be demonic the form 
seems endearing at the same time, in some ways reflecting that not 
everything can be clearly defined as black and white. We often demonise the 
other simply to safeguard our own interests whether nationalistic, religious 
etc.

5. As an exhibition with so many facets - which one is your 'favourite' or 
which part is the most pertinent for you?
Since the works are inter-related, each plays an integral role in 
understanding the many dimensions of the exhibition as a whole. But the two
multi-part paintings titled 'Xylophone-I' and 'Xylophone-II' have been 
challenging pieces within my own practice and I have wanted to attempt them 
since the last four years. Structured to collectively form the human 
ribcage, they comprise of swords in one case and guns in the other. These 
life-threatening weapons act as an armour, just like the ribcage forms a 
protective covering to the lungs and the heart. What interests me is how we 
legitimise the use of violence by justifying it in the name of self-defence.

6. Is there a personal experience attached with what you're trying to say?
My work is not necessarily a reflection of my immediate personal/domestic 
surrounding but the world around me.

7. Is this a vision of our country you are comfortable with exhibiting 
abroad?
I think my work attempts to unravel the contradictions and complexities of 
our existence in contemporary society and its many layers. I would hope to 
convey it truthfully no matter where the work gets shown.

8. Do you go through some kind of emotional process when you're preparing 
your work? If so, what kind of process is it?
I undoubtedly get affected by what I see or hear around me in society at 
large and sometimes I like to analyse these experiences through my work.

9. What are your plans for this exhibition? Will you be sending it abroad? 
If so, where and when?
This exhibition travels to Bodhi Art Gallery, Singapore late October. A 
couple of sculptures part of this exhibition titled "Memoria Corona" and 
"Penumbra" which are in edition are currently showing at Arario Gallery, 
Beijing along with a monumental painting.

10. What are you currently involved in?
Soon I leave for France for a large exhibition of Indian Art, in Lille. But 
as far as my next set of pieces are concerned, I have conceptualised two or 
three bodies of work I'm excited to pursue making; trying very hard for my 
hand to keep pace with my mind.
