வருக வருக
welcome
This is a guide through the exhibition. There are markers ( different meanings of kolam) mapping the text and space. The text is written by Raghavi, employing a mixture of formats. Formal, blab, rant, poetic, exhibitory text, alternating between first person and third person narrative. It jumps between these formats to reflect the complexity of migrant identity, subverting colonial linguistic norms.
kōlam n. [T. kōlamu, K. kōla,M. kōlam.]
threshold ritualistic design practised by south-asian women, a form of welcome; கோலம், பொதுவாக பெண்களால் வரையப்படும் பாரம்பரிய கலை, வரவேற்பு வடிவம்
form, appearance, identity; உருவம், மானுடக்கோலம், அடையாளம்
beauty; அழகு
colour; நிறம்
anthropological tool used to observe, decipher and understand complex cosmic patterns; பிரபஞ்சத்தைப் புரிந்துகொள்வதற்கான வடிவமைப்பு கருவியாக ஆதிகால மனிதர்களால் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டது
Kolam is an exhibition, an action, a space, an exploration. Mimicking its namesake, it acts as an invitation to Tamil women and other marginalised communities to hold space and have voice within contemporary cultural production.
Cross the threshold, Cross that line, defy the mythological man. Erase the kolam.
As you enter the corridor, Palani’s ‘To Walk a Mile’ series captures the lives of India’s working class through their worn footwear. These photographs highlight footwear as symbols of labor, struggle, and the overlooked histories of those who sustain society. Inspired by memories of his own village and the denial of footwear to oppressed communities, Palani's work offers a reflection on resilience, dignity, and the journeys of the unseen.
Crossing the ‘sikku kolam’ on the floor, and following the ‘border kolam’, let it guide you through the threshold, into a space of reflection and community