The artists in this exhibition, by controlling each element of the frame, predetermine the image. By recreating lived moments from memory, by building elaborate sets, by staging themselves, or by telling their stories, they address very current questions and concerns. Constructed from techniques and stories from theatre, cinema, performance, literature, poetry and fiction, the stagings are sometimes filled with found objects or sculpted elements, reimagined as real topographies, or as conceptual narratives . The exhibition presents the contemporary works of artists who perpetuate these practices in and around South Asia.

The human-nature relationship has become central to the contemporary ecological discourse. The boundaries of what is ‘human’ and what is ‘nature’ are also in question. The long isolation of nature from the social contract has led to unhealthy lives, and technocentric ravaged landscapes. The histories of separations and of treating the “planet as capital” has culminated in new emergent emergencies, as Covid -19, climate change, sixth extinction, air pollution, which only help accentuate the ever-present interdependencies. Post these crises, the human species may biologically survive, but its emergent psychological and physical embodiments may leave it transformed into another ‘being.’ It is in the interstices of possible potential futures of the human condition that Sharbendu De locates his practice in.

“New Natures: A Terrible Beauty is Born” curated by Ravi Agarwal is the next iteration of State of Nature – a project initiated by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai in 2018 that brings together multiple perspectives to understand and address our present ecological crisis. This exhibition is a proposition to rethink the world as we know it today. As Curator of Literature, Ranjit Hoskote has conceptualised a programme consisting of prominent writers, poets, and essayists that intervenes the exhibition.

Participating artists: Arunkumar H G, Gigi Scaria, Gram Art Project, Himali Singh Soin, Ishan Tankha, Karan Shrestha, Navjot Altaf, Parag Tandel, Paribartana Mohanty, Prabhakar Pachpute, Rajyashri Goody, Ranbir Kaleka, Rohini Devasher, Sahej Rahel, Sharbendu De, Sonia Mehra Chawla, Tanmoy Samanta

Looking at the staged photograph that flits between reality and fiction, the show aims to focus on works that employ various sorts of strategies and techniques to tell their story. These could involve recreating scenes from memory, constructing elaborate sets, or telling personal encounters. Constructed sets may involve sculpted or found objects re-consctructed and re-imagined as conceptual narratives.

Conference organised in association with Goethe Institute, Mumbai, India, https://www.goethe.de/ins/in/en/sta/mum/ver.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&event_id=21305629 For all talks pl see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMN_62zum8rzzLhiFxVvAv5Wtav3kthk

Photography show curated by Ravi Agarwal.

An unfulfilled public art and ecology project on the River Coovam in Chennai. Curated Ravi Agarwal and Florian Matzner. The public authorities did not give permission to host the project after 2 years of engagement. The ideas of the project were transformed into the Damned Art exhibition. A public art and ecology book is under publication to be released soon.

New Delhi for the MALDIVES PAVILION DISAPPEARANCE AS WORK IN PROGRESS – APPROACHES TO ECOLOGICAL ROMANTICISM (contribution) 55, Venice Biennial – June 2012

Twin city project co-curated by Ravi Agarwal and Till Krause City of Hamburg, Goethe Institute New Delhi, City of Delhi Yamuna-Elbe.de Yamuna-Elbe.org   PROJECT Y: A Yamuna-Elbe Public Art and Outreach Project Organised by: “Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite...