©Donna J. Wan / Rick Wester Fine Art, New York
Curator’s Statement : Sandeep Biswas
“ People lose their way, when they lose their “WHY “ – Quote from an unknown source
With every step and every breath, we constantly and subconsciously wield this very question “WHY?“.
This very word can be reinterpreted either literally or as a metaphor to a limitless interrogation directed towards every existence, reaction and its nuances.
How can we define this question? What is its validity, which compels one to search for an answer regardless of one’s willingness to do so?
“WHY?” which might be the epitome of the most ordinary and common questions, uncages the most extraordinary and uncommon answers. It brings forth the capacity to disentangle our perception.
While we enjoy our freedom to question, an answer can expose some deepest protected secrets. Secrets that are only hidden to protect ourselves from a convenient, structured and regimental society where black and white is starkly demarcated leaving very little space for the grays.
How deep can a question penetrate and why do we even question? What becomes the need for one to dig deeper to understand their world through a curiosity to generate an unique philosophy?
This exhibition invites a few lens based artists who are readily exploring their own conflicts and struggles through their personal questions addressing issues like gender, sexuality, environment, socio-politics, time, space and personal conflicts undefined.
Why are these artist making the art they do? Why do they question the issues that affect their inner pain, conflict, struggle and the need for freedom to express.
How does this exhibition define this question and its numerous infinite answers? Will it be the artists, the audience, the curator or an activist within each of us?
Through these perspectives, we are not questioning any history, but instead uplifting ourselves through the relevance of the present world and its context.
© Sandeep Biswas 2022