Ambitious
exhibition opens at Artlink
17.09.23
FROM Bengal to Buncrana,
Arijit Bhattacharyya explores the themes of freedom,
justice and transformation.
Artlink Fort Dunree have announced the opening of
‘Whispering Sea’, an evocative new exhibition by their
2024 International Artist-in-Residence, Arijit
Bhattacharyya. This exhibition delves into the
interconnected histories of the Indian and Atlantic
Oceans, exploring the themes of migration, identity and
the transformative power of imagination.
‘Whispering Sea’ is a work of artistic imagination,
grounded in the postcolonial and neocolonial social
resistance movements. Through a multi-layered narrative,
Bhattacharyya uses the sea as both a literal and
symbolic force to evoke themes of freedom, justice, and
transformation. The exhibition is a celebration of the
ocean's timeless whispers, stories of displacement,
survival, and dreams. |
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The opening reception for
‘Whispering Sea’ will take place on Friday, 20th
September at 6pm in Artlink Fort Dunree. |
Artlink Project
Coordinator, Rebecca Strain, expressed her enthusiasm
for hosting the new exhibition: "We get hundreds of
brilliant proposals from artists for the residency
programme and this year the panel chose Arijit
Bhattacharyya. His work stood out for us because it
speaks about a contentious and pertinent topic: the
movement of people, ideas, and cultures. We are
intrigued to see what conversations are sparked for
visitors when they experience his new exhibition, which
will exist very briefly at Fort Dunree."
Through his work, Arijit explores connections between
the migration of people and the migration of oceans,
posing the question of whether the tides themselves
carry the memory of movement and displacement.
Speaking about his residency, Arijit Bhattacharyya said:
"This residency at Artlink stands as an intersection
where my narrative converges with the grandeur of the
oceans’ tales. I have been really eager to embark on
this immersive artistic journey – a testament to the
resilience, love, adaptability, and endurance inherent
in the human spirit amidst the currents of change, pain,
and hostility." |
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The exhibition will
continue from 10:30am to 4:30pm daily up until 26th
September. |
Artlink Project
Coordinator Martha McCulloch added: "Since his arrival
Arijit has been engaging in dialogue with the local
community and artists, and facilitating events -
including a lecture performance ‘How Political is (y)our
Curry?’ and a walk as part of the Inishowen Walking
Festival. He encouraged us to think and behave with more
confidence, and convinced us of his idea to paint the
entire Saldanha Gallery skirting to ceiling Prussian
Blue. Upon this background which looks like the tide
moving he has painted huge humanlike forms. All the
while he's also been directing a film being produced in
another time zone which will premiere as part of the
exhibition on Friday evening.”
Visitors to the new exhibition will have the opportunity
to experience Arijit's work across various mediums,
including installations, textiles, drawings, and
performances. His interdisciplinary approach to art
invites engagement and dialogue, creating space for a
deeper understanding of the human experience within the
context of global migrations and collective histories.
The opening reception for ‘Whispering Sea’ will take
place on Friday, 20th September at 6pm at Artlink Fort
Dunree. The exhibition will continue from 10:30am to
4:30pm daily (with free admission) up until 26th
September.
For further information about ‘Whispering Sea’ or
upcoming exhibitions and events at Artlink, visit
www.artlink.ie . |
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