Come, let’s discuss Delhi

The latest art residency in town gets artists to interpret the changing face of Delhi.

The changing face of Delhi over the ages has inspired varied reactions and interpretations. The Capital’s present state of flux is the inspiration behind The WhyNot Place, an art residency that brings together artists from the UK, Japan, Pakistan, Italy and India.

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“With the approaching Commonwealth Games, the face of Delhi is undergoing rapid transformation. We have organised several walks, talks and discussions around the city so that the artists get to see the changes taking place here,” says Mukesh Panika, director, Religare Arts Initiative. The residency is open not only to the artists but to the public as well. “Anyone can be a part of our discussions and talks or can just walk into the space to interact with the artists,” says Panika.

The mentored residency brings together a select group of 17 emerging and mid-career artists from varied backgrounds such as painting, photography, sculpture and installation art. It also has two mentors assisting the artists.

Megha Katyal, an artist at the residency, says, “My installation is a huge house made out of silk threads and laces. It talks about the changing relations and family bonding within a house. All the threads are white in colour symbolising peace. So, my art works talks about the family transformation in the Capital.”

The residency is on till July 31 at Religare art.i Gallery, Connaught Place. All artworks produced during the residency will be displayed at the gallery from August 1-30.