Different shades of artistic protests

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It’s a big fight — with many shades. Demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim, not only are people taking to the streets with black bandanas and candles in hand, but the artist community in the capital is also coming forward to lead by example. Be it a theatre performance, a musical tribute, sculptures and photographs depicting the insensitiveness toward women and demanding justice, artists are using various mediums to voice their opinion and pay tribute to the symbol of bravery.
City-based sculptor Neeraj Gupta started working on a series dedicated to the rape victim after hearing the news on December 16.
“An artist is inspired and deeply influenced by what happens in his surroundings. This series is essentially my reaction to the present state of affairs and the times we are living in. It depicts women looking in despair and asking for respect, regard, and their due place in the society. They are looking for protection against cruelty,” says Neeraj, who will hold a solo show of the series from January 24 to February 3 at India Habitat Centre.
Demanding a safer tomorrow, three music bands — Nasya, Astitva and Eternal Bliss — are coming together to pay tribute to the girl victim. “The incident saddened me a lot but the bravery she showed has also inspired many. Music is our way to pay her tribute and a salute to the fight she put up. She fought till the end and we are trying to keep up the spirit. We will soon give a performance in her honour at Dilli Haat,” says Ayush Gupta from Astitva music band.
The artists’ efforts are being met with overwhelming reactions from the audience, says Shilpi Marwah, a student and one of the artistes from the Asmita Theatre Group. She says she has lost count of the number of performances they have given of their street plays on women’s empowerment since the incident took place on December 16.
“If we perform for 15 minutes the discussion goes on for about an hour at least. Many people have asked us to perform in their localities also. I believe as artistes we should continue with our performances till something concrete happens,” adds a determined young Shilpi.
As the theatre group performs in lanes and other crowded places like India Gate, photographer Chandan Gomes is out on the street capturing such plays and the protest movement to make sure that none of these protests go unnoticed.
“Though a lot has been covered by the media, since there are many protests across the country I focus on the ones not too much in the limelight and upload those on Facebook. I have been getting lots of reactions from youngsters and I believe we can make a difference if we all stand up together for justice,” says Chandan.