Ironic Democracy, Performance, Duration : 45 min
As Myron Lustig notes -cultural identities are central to a person’s sense of self. Lustig also points out that cultural identities are dynamic, and they exist within a changing social context. The increasing political influence of right wing party for last few years creating a religious political turmoil in India. The Delhi rape case, banning of documentary ‘India’s daughter and ill statements from governing ministers generated a sense of insecurity and anguish in me to question the faith in democracy.
In the performance I stood still, completely wrapped in a transparent plastic (like a mummy), in front of the banner proclaiming, ‘I do Have freedom of Speech, Thought and Expression’. I stood right in front of the word FREEDOM, suggesting the cultural confinements on women, which doesn’t allow the rights and freedom promised in the constitution. As a part of performance, I collapsed after 45 minutes and taken away in an ambulance without any declarations. This was to keep that anxiety, curiosity and fear of uncertain among the audience, which we women always face in India.
In the performance I stood still, completely wrapped in a transparent plastic (like a mummy), in front of the banner proclaiming, ‘I do Have freedom of Speech, Thought and Expression’. I stood right in front of the word FREEDOM, suggesting the cultural confinements on women, which doesn’t allow the rights and freedom promised in the constitution. As a part of performance, I collapsed after 45 minutes and taken away in an ambulance without any declarations. This was to keep that anxiety, curiosity and fear of uncertain among the audience, which we women always face in India.