‘Cartographies of the Unseen’: Artist Reena Saini Kallat uses line as a leitmotif in a new solo
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai has become a backdrop to some interesting juxtapositions. In different corners and rooms, museum objects can be seen interacting with contemporary works by artist Reena Saini Kallat in a solo show, Cartographies of the Unseen, which is on view till 6 April.
So, you have Memoria Corona (2006) placed in front of the statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This pristine white sculpture, modelled on the crown of Queen Elizabeth II of England, is inscribed with the names of those who fought in the Indian freedom struggle. The symbol of imperialism can be seen turned on its head as a memorial of sorts for those who sacrificed their lives against colonial rule.
Through such works, Saini Kallat questions ideas of colonisation and decolonisation, cartography and colonial frameworks of museology. “The works get activated in this space like no other," says the artist. “Take the series of works, Synonym, which are screens holding up images made up of several hundred names of people who’ve gone missing, forming portraits of migrants and citizens, who are either on the margins or have fallen off the radar.
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