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From novel stay-at-home residencies to new programming around changing intimacies and social media trends in the time of covid-19, residencies are giving young artists a space to respond to the pandemic
The words ‘new normal’ have become an inextricable part of our vocabularies since the covid-19 outbreak. Across the world, individuals and groups have adapted to these unprecedented times in their own unique ways. What does this period mean for artists—is a question that residency programmes across the country are seeking answers to. Through extensive conversations, various residencies are trying to understand the challenges that the pandemic has posed to young artists, and are creating exhibitions and programming to give them a platform to express their feelings about this time. For instance, Space 118, an arts residency programme based out of Mazgaon, Mumbai, together with Sakshi Gallery has put together an exhibition, All is Not Lost 20.20.20, featuring 20 young artists and their response to the crisis.
“The work is intended to be a meditation on the uncertainty of the times we live in, and our very human, but futile attempts to hold on to experiences and memories,” writes Saloni Doshi, founder, Space 118, in her curatorial note. The physical show, on view till 28 November and featuring 150 works by Arjun Sara, Chandrashekar Koteshwar, Chinmoyi Patel, Madhu Das, Purvai Rai, and more, is being held while following the physical distancing norms. 25 percent of the proceeds will go towards Space 118’s Fine Art Grant 2021.
“Another programme that Pro Helvetia New Delhi launched was the Now On open call, which invited artists to come up with new formats and ideas to continue or imagine futures of arts practice and collaboration despite the restrictions that the pandemic posed on mobility and artistic exchange,” he says. The knowledge and models created from these projects are going to be available as formats for anyone looking for similar solutions. “The grant is for a proposed budget by each applicant for four months ending this year. Following this, we hope that the outcomes and learnings will lead to collaborations and the adoption of these models wherever it makes sense,” says Pathak.