St+art Mumbai 2017

In 2017, I received an invitation to take part in the St+art Mumbai 2017 Urban Art Festival in India, curated by Giulia Ambrogi, an Italian curator. The festival was situated at Sassoon Docks, an area steeped in history as one of Mumbai's oldest inhabited regions. Despite its rich heritage, the docks faced the looming threat of gentrification due to their location in one of the city's most affluent districts. Returning to Mumbai after 15 years, the familiar scents immediately transported me back to my previous time in the city. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by Shazneen Todiwala, who provided invaluable assistance throughout my stay, rekindling my connection with the vibrant energy of Mumbai. During the lead-up to the event, the Mumbai team briefed us on Sassoon Docks. I was struck by the history of Mumbai's founding as a matriarchy by the Koli tribe's women, the city's earliest settlers. Their independence and resilience inspired my installation. Visiting the docks, I observed the Koli women at work, clad in colorful saris and gold jewelry, processing freshly caught shrimp. Their reverence for the sea and Mumba Devi, Mumbai's namesake goddess, inspired my light installation as a tribute to their resilience. In addition to painting the walls of Sassoon Docks, I incorporated other elements into my work. One piece involved creating a fake Bollywood commercial, while another referenced Gandhi's spinning wheel campaign against the importation of English fabrics. Gandhi elevated the spinning wheel to a symbol of Indian independence, leading the nation on a peaceful path of resistance. To this day, the spinning wheel adorns the Indian flag.