Panaji (Goa):The ongoing nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) appear to have left an awkward footprint at the ongoing Serendipity Arts Festivals, one of the nation's biggest curated art shows, which is underway in Goa.
Two exhibits, with oblique references to turmoil in the Northeastern regions and the CAA, both curated by well-known contemporary artist Sudarshan Shetty were abruptly closed for viewing by the organisers of the Serendipity Arts Festival on Wednesday.
The exhibits are a part of an artistic installation ensemble curated by Shetty titled 'Look outside the House' which showcases "indigenous inventions and informal industries that have origins in catering to real-life circumstantial needs with lasting social impact on communities at large".
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One of the exhibits which were found itself out of bounds on Day 4 of the festival which began on December 15, involves the visual depiction of Miyah verse, a unique contemporary Assamese genre of poetry which captures the angst of discrimination towards Assamese Muslims.
Several display screens broadcasting verses of Miyah poetry by Dalit and some poets from the Northeast, articulating the anxieties faced by the Muslim community in the region, which is most affected by protests against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens, was suddenly off-limits for viewing on Wednesday, the fourth day of the festival.
Another of Shetty's exhibitions which were barred for visitors at the festival innovatively showcases ink 'upcycled' from carbon from air-pollution emissions and enables carbon-negative printing and production.
As part of the immersive experience offered by the curator, visitors could scribble graffitis of their choice with the help of pens loaded with the unique black ink on empty canvases.