TABULA RASA
This community-based installation was conducted as a workshop for residents of Halasuru, Bangalore, a neighborhood caught in conflict following the discovery of a square kalyani (stepped tank) on the grounds of the 800-year-old Chola-period Someshwara Temple. The kalyani’s discovery led to the temple being declared a heritage site, resulting in the demolition of homes and shops in the area. This upheaval disrupted the lives and livelihoods of those living around the temple, creating tension within the community.
In collaboration with Anukriti Kedia and Kamini Rao, we aimed to facilitate healing and dialogue by creating a platform for communication among community members. Through on-site workshops, participants came together to make and paint papier-mâché masks as a shared activity. This collective experience encouraged conversation, fostering understanding and helping to resolve tensions. The masks symbolized each person’s integral role within the community. They were collectively placed in a cocoon structure, representing a fresh start and the reestablishment of security and unity.
Community members painting and decorating their masks
