OCEAN OF DISTRESS – VOICES : Portico Library, Manchester (July – Nov 2022)

Kantha stitch on Khadi Cotton scroll (12.5 X70 cm)

This work titled “Ocean of Distress”, created as part of pop up exhibition called Voices bySouth Asian artist group called Didijis. Voices is about creating a space to speak up about the South Asian experiences and histories. Responding to the collection at Portico Library, inspired by the story of Hannah Snell a female soldier, this work charts the story of a young woman. Despite her difficult circumstances, this brave soldier joins the royal marines in the guise of a man to embark on a journey to Coromandel coast, India in 1747. This work also explores the complex South Asian Histories and British colonial attitudes through the female voice. Alongside this textile work a voice recorded letter, narrating the artist’s research and responding this history is also available to listen as letter to Hannah Snell (opens a new tab in sound cloud) This group show was organised in celebration of 75th Anniversary of India’s independence and contains themes of distress (loss of child)

Didijis is a south Asian collective consisting of artists Madhu, Suman Gujral, Aasma Hashmi, Sunaina Balla and curator Uthra Rajgopal. This work, along with a voice recorded work is on exhibit until end of November at Portico Library, Manchester.  

---

Commission for Rivers the world, Nene Park -2021.

Artwork created from walks in the park to engage visitors. This activity is available via digital platform.