Shakuntala Kulkarni's solo project at the Dhaka Art Summit, focusing on armours made from traditional cane weaving, deals with issues of body politics and women negotiating gendered spaces. Her exhibit is being supported by the World Bank's WEvolve, which is a global programme that addresses gendered violence by targetting young people, especially young men in an effort to change gender norms. The programme focuses on using creative media such as art, music, drama, fashion to influence youth into becoming agents of change.
What is the idea behind your art?
I have been working in women's spaces for the last two decades. Many of my work makes you uncomfortable, because women's spaces are not comfortable. I also look at the body and question body politics. This is an ongoing process and reflects on the roles we, often unconsciuously, play as women, and forcus on the kind of a life I want to live as a woman with freedom. Women need to have the freedom to alter the way they look at themselves and their bodies and their cultures.
Is there any specific event that has inspired you?
For this particular exhibition, I was walking on the streets and tar fell on my face and hands, it was a horrible experience. It made me think of acid attacks on women and also went on to make me think, how do I create a condition where women can walk freely in public spaces? It took time and a lot of experimentation, but this exhibition is the end result. I know I am only a drop in the ocean, but if at least two people notice my work, I have not lost hope.
How has your work changed over the years?
Technically, formally and aesthetically, it has changed. I have been pushing the boundaries of my artwork. For example, I wore my cane costumes and walked on the busy streets of Bombay, negotiating spaces and inviting the gazes. Everyone at that moment was looking at me and I suddenly realised the boundary I had pushed – I had momentarily stopped a crowded public space and made them enquire and engage in a simple discussion on looking at bodies. And I am happy with that, and with keeping the conversation alive.
How would you sum up your work in one line?
Any one who wants it can and should have freedom and self-respect. They can create that power for themselves, and forgetting religion, caste and social classes, we can all come together, not just women.
What is the public response to your work, especially in Bangladesh?
I love for the public to experience my work, and the discomfort and claustrophobia that often comes with it. The best part is when they ask questions and respond, which is what happened here. I was standing at the Summit for three days, seeing their response and answering questions. They like it as a visual and then they start asking, what is the use? Having this thought is enough for me. I want people to experience my work and give people an entry point. They don't have to understand how I made it, just to take the thought back with them.
