At a creative crossroads: A unique exhibition in Delhi
The Hindu
.Delhi exhibition: Serendipity Arts Foundation’s Open Studio presents the unique works of residents
For an artist, the studio is often a solitary space, a sanctuary for ideas to germinate and grow. But what happens when a group of artists are brought together to share this sacred ground? The Serendipity Arts Foundation’s residency program offers a glimpse into this unique experiment.
For three months, a diverse ensemble of artists converged to create a vibrant ecosystem of creativity. From the quiet contemplation of writer Saloni Jaiwal to the dynamic energy of choreographer Purnendra Meshram, the residency was a melting pot of artistic expression. As they shared their processes, inspirations, and challenges, a sense of camaraderie and mutual enrichment emerged.
“It was like getting a backstage pass into the minds of other artists,” says Saloni Jaiwal, the resident writer, “ Instead of just seeing finished works, we saw the raw energy and evolution of ideas.”
Selected by a jury comprising prominent figures such as researcher and filmmaker Gautam Pemmaraju, contemporary dancer Padmini Chettur, writer and curator Premjish Achari, and visual artist Prajakta Potnis, this year’s cohort began their creative journey on May 15.
The residency wasn’t about creating a unified theme, but about fostering a rich environment for individual expressions. The artists, while working on their own projects, inevitably found their work influenced by the creative energy around them. “If you really delve in and read between the lines, you will find how our works have been influenced by each other”, said Adheep Das, one of the resident artists.
The program’s culmination is a showcase of work-in-progress, offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s journey. It’s a chance to see beyond the polished final product and understand the creative process.
The artists in this year’s residency come from different backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to their work. Adheep Das, an engineer , explores the concept of transformation through his work, blending traditional charcoal animations with 3D digital spaces to create what he describes as “defaced versions of reality.”
nyone trying to slot Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui into a particular genre will be at a loss, for all through her 45 year-long career, she has moved easily between varied spaces, from independent cinema to the mainstream, from personal films to a bit of action too. For that matter, she has made a horror film too. Ask her about it and the 77-year old, who was conferred with the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)‘s Lifetime achievement award, says with disarming candour that she was just trying to see what she was good at.