Stories have always been an effective mode of comprehensive communication since the beginning of time. They are the outcome of day-to-day events happening around us. These stories get shared in our vicinity and subsequently passed on through generations. They are prevalent in our society, culture and also in the diverse records like literature, films and other digital / archival mediums.  These epic tales are meant to be an example of what can be done to better the world and what it means to be human and to make the morally correct choices.

Renowned French Philosopher Ronald Barthes said, narrative “it is present at all times, in all places, in all societies; indeed narrative starts with the very history of mankind; there is not, there has never been anywhere, any people without narratives, all classes, all human groups have their stories.”

For this exhibition the artists have adopted imageries / stories to articulate the politics of life, investing both abstract and representational forms with narrative content. This includes individual experiences as a means of conveying shared stories, whether real or fictional. Here the artist becomes a material witness, defined as “a witness whose evidence is both relevant to the matter at issue and necessary in order to resolve the matter.” Exploring the relationship between artists and the historical, political and social challenges of their time, the works challenges circumstances through irony and humor.

Weaving elements from society, personal experience and political reality, the work provokes challenging questions and reflection regarding the role of art in society.” Questions that arise include the significance of art in society’s discourse; whether art can change the way we imagine our world and if it’s essential. They also question and reflect on historical representations of culture and identity. Storylines examine the diverse ways in which artists today engage narrative through installation, painting, photography, sculpture, video, and performance.  To illustrate this diversity of narrative methods, the artists have drawn upon fables, conversations, memories, histories, metaphors, allegories and dreamscapes.