Art reflects the fissures in society. Art also creates hope and solidarity despite these fissures. We bring diverse practitioners to better understand how art can continue to raise public consciousness towards social justice and remain true to its purpose. Artists Claire Fontaine, Ram Singh Urveti, Vikrant Bhise, Karnika Bai and Jyothi H Tirakanagowda (Aravani Art Project), Himanshu S (Dharavi Art Room & Bombay Underground), in a conversation moderated by curator-artist Anita Dube and independent curator Shaleen Wadhwana, take this moment to come together, to wonder, strategise and collaborate on what can be done to ensure that kinship continues forward for generations to come.
*Claire Fontaine’s participation is generously supported by the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, New Delhi
Generously supported by JSW, the IAF 2025 Talks Series, Growing Focus, curated by independent researcher and curator Shaleen Wadhwana, examines the increasing prominence of South Asia within contemporary art, design and culture. The series highlights the efforts of People of the Global Majority — comprising more than 80 per cent of the world’s population, with roots in Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American cultures — who are asserting their presence across arts and cultural ecosystems. Amid the ongoing decentering of dominant ‘Global North’ narratives, it frames this moment not merely as a response to decolonisation but as landmark, historic self-determination. We explore this impact for audiences today and every day.
Claire Fontaine: CLAIRE FONTAINE, a feminist conceptual art collective founded by Fulvia Carnevale and James Thornhill in Paris (2004), has been based in Palermo since 2017. Inspired by Duchamp and French notebooks, her work uses appropriation to activate political content within visual culture. Recent solo shows span Linz, Florence, Lecce, Lisbon, and Genoa.
Ram Singh Urveti: Ram Singh Urveti, from Patangarh, Madhya Pradesh, is a key figure in Contemporary Tribal Indian Art, inspired by J. Swaminathan and mentored by Jangarh Singh Shyam. Known for Gond-inspired paintings, he has won accolades like the Kalidas Award (2001) and Bologna Ragazzi Award. He lives and works in Bhopal.
Vikrant Bhise: Vikrant Bhise, a Mumbai-based visual artist, is an alumnus of L.S. Raheja School of Art and Sir J.J. School of Art. Rooted in Ambedkarite consciousness, his work addresses caste, class, and gender oppression through art and activism. Notable solo exhibitions include Human (2019) and Sense and Sensibilities (2024).
Karnika Bai: Karnika Bai is an artist who is part of Aravani Art Project, a Trans-women and cis-women led art collective.
Jyothi H Tirakanagowda: Jyothi H Tirakanagowda is an artist who is part of Aravani Art Project, a Trans-women and cis-women led art collective.
Himanshu S: Himanshu S., a trained painter, focuses on public spaces and participatory community projects. Co-founder of Bombay Underground and Dharavi Art Room with Aqui Thami, he also established the Bombay Zine Library and Fluxus Chapel. Passionate about self-publishing, his work emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and engaging diverse communities, especially children.
Anita Dube: Anita Dube, an art historian and artist, explores memory, loss, and regeneration through diverse materials. Influenced by her early engagement with the Indian Radical Painters and Sculptors Association, her work addresses themes of resistance, politics, and sexuality. She has exhibited internationally and resides in New Delhi.
Shaleen Wadhwana: Shaleen Wadhwana is an independent award-winning arts educator, researcher, and curator bringing audiences closer to South Asian history, art, heritage, and culture. Academically trained in Art History (SOAS, London) & Cultural Heritage Law (UNESCO, Geneva), her research has been showcased through The Unfiltered History Tour by Vice World News UK at the British Museum, London, and it bagged 12 awards at the Cannes Lions Festival (France) – a first time for India. In 2023, she was invited to study the archives of Chemould Prescott Road, one of the oldest art galleries in South Asia, and curated their 60th-anniversary exhibition – CheMoulding Framing Future Archives. She has recently been onboarded as an advisor to represent South Asia at KADIST, a global non-profit contemporary art organization.
