Inspired by the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore’s poem, Inner Eye Arts has put together a visually stunning art exhibit called “Voices of Freedom.” This exhibit showcases the work of Asian artists who explore various perspectives on freedom, justice, and decolonial practices. The goal of the exhibit is to highlight the strong connection between creativity and freedom, promoting a culture that values experimentation, innovation, and taking risks. The artists featured in the show challenge existing norms, expand our understanding of history and community, and envision new ways forward.
The exhibition features the works of three South Asian American artists: Shailly Sharma Bhatnagar, Manu Kaur, and Indrani Nayar Gall. Each artist brings a unique vision to the table, offering interpretations of culture, identity, and the human experience through their use of color, form, and texture.
Shailly Sharma Bhatnagar, hailing from Bangalore, India, is a sculptor, mentor, and art educator whose work, “Embroidered Life,” delves into the ways in which consumerism shapes our lives and minds. Through her art, she explores the desire to break free from societal constraints related to gender, caste, and geography.
Manu Kaur, a queer, nonbinary, Dalit femme, focuses on supporting marginalized communities through her work. Her project, “Dalit Dreamlands,” is a multimedia exhibition that celebrates the identity and resilience of Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized communities. The photos in her series tell a story of grief, rebuilding, and freedom, highlighting intergenerational trauma and healing.
Indrani Nayar-Gall, a multidisciplinary feminist artist, uses her art to address themes of marginalization, patriarchy, and misogyny. Her series, “Voice I, II, IV, A New Deity In Town,” challenges patriarchal structures that seek to control women’s bodies and rights. Through her work, she empowers women and protests against inequality and objectification.
The “Voices of Freedom” exhibition is curated by Pallavi Sharma and will be on display at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Art Gallery from October 6th to October 26th. The exhibit is free and open to the public, inviting viewers to engage in a critical reflection on the pursuit of justice and equity.
In addition to the featured artists, the exhibit includes a collaborative community art project led by Pallavi Sharma. This project aims to spark creative dialogue and explore different perspectives on freedom through visual art. The community engagement process involved collecting leaves with freedom-related words, participating in workshops, and creating a multimedia book that captures the essence of freedom for community members.
The exhibit also features works by other artists such as Ruth Tabancay, Reiko Fujii, Rea Lynn de Guzman, Pamela Ybanez, and more. Visitors can expect to be immersed in a diverse range of artistic expressions that provoke thought and inspire action.
If you’re interested in experiencing the “Voices of Freedom” exhibit, be sure to visit the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Art Gallery located inside the San Ramon Community Center. The gallery hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the exhibit will run from October 6th to October 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with thought-provoking art that challenges the status quo and celebrates the power of creativity in the pursuit of freedom.
