VISUAL AND POETIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE GAPS

Curator Anuradha Nalapat, shares her first hand experience with the multi-disciplinary show.

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In December 2024, Kochi became the epicentre of a thoughtprovoking exploration into the paradox of human existence, blending art, poetry and performance.

In a ground-breaking exhibition titled, Presence of Absence in Man - The Elephant in the Room, the show featured over 60 artists, invited reflection on the spaces between what is present and what is absent in our lives-both on an individual and collective level.

Through vibrant works of art, immersive installations and profound poetry, this exhibition sought to inspire new perspectives on the emotional, spiritual and social gaps that define the human experience while also supporting the cause of animal rights through a collaboration with WEFAA.

The exhibition served as a call to realign with nature, creativity and our shared humanity in an increasingly fragmented world. The show was curated by me and Anoop Kamath. The title emerged from a poem that was penned earlier by me called Presence of Absence.

Subsequently, the controversial word man was added. It aimed to focus on the Absences and Presences mankind deals with. The feeling of discontent, the presence of a joyless disconnected apprentice, his twin..Contrary to the genral view there was no controversy involved.

The idea of walking the tightrope of Presence and Absence, realigning with nature, evoking creative spirits and reclaiming insight were key to the show. Much used and misused words like love and compassion took center stage. The fresh richness of ordinary tales in words, line and colour enveloped the gallery walls. Science, art, music and philosophy came together and added to the uniqueness of this organic endeavor called Presence of Absence in man - The Elephant in the room.