Comedian Kajol Srinivasan and digital artist Smish pair up at a SoBo venue for a power-packed show that blends protest-driven, Orwellian-inspired art with sharp, dystopian humour
Lords and gender justice, a piece from the upcoming exhibition
Kajol Srinivasan, a city-based comedian with six years of stand-up experience often takes the stage to tackle subjects like patriarchy, feminism, and the hypocrisy of the world we live in. When the spotlight is off, you can catch her stirring up conversations on X (formerly Twitter), using the platform to infuse humour with a powerful dose of protest and dissent. The comedian is all set to perform her new show But The Trains Are Running On Time on the inaugural day of the IYKYK exhibition, which is set to go public this weekend at Method gallery in Kala Ghoda.
Srinivasan, whose passion for the preservation of freedom of speech is evident from her fierce and unfiltered style of comedy, remarks, “I believe we should be free to express our thoughts, as long as they do not cause harm to vulnerable people. But that’s a gigantic loophole that has been utilised to repress free speech, as it can be interpreted in various ways. Thankfully, we live in one of the biggest democracies in the world, and we have the complete right to ask questions and demand answers.”
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Funny times
The comedian’s latest show is set in an imaginary dystopia where people have been liberated from the burden of free thought. “Where medicine is herbal, empathy is verbal, being different is a crime,” reads the limerick-ish tagline of the show. Seems apt, we say, as the comedian reveals to us how she aims to use poetic devices to paint a picture of the times we live in. For instance, the title of the show, she tells us, comes from a phrase popularised in war-ridden Italy in the early 20th century, where some believed the eccentricities of fascist leaders were justified because at least the trains still ran on time.
Srinivasan tells us she was pleasantly surprised when approached by Smish, (smishdesigns on Instagram) to be a part of her inaugural exhibition. “I was delighted to partner with another woman on this show. I am an absolute fan of Smish’s bold voice and her commitment to keep speaking up for the changes society needs.” she shares.
Anonymously yours
Publishing under an alias, 35-year-old Mumbai-based artist Smish is known for her feminist art that depicts inter-generational aspirations of Indian women and topical protest driven artworks that speak to the impressionable youth of the country. The artist, who prefers anonymity, proved to be a revelation on Instagram last year with her now widely recognised series of artworks Women: The Longest Revolution, which she explains was an ode to Indian mothers and grandmothers and the sacrifices they made for the current generation of Indian women. The artist tells us that with the IYKYK exhibition, she attempts to shake things up a little on the artistic front. “I have gone all out with different mediums, creating something sans the digital art space while exploring new possibilities within the gallery space. It is my first time trying my hand at sculptural art. It is going to be a brand-new approach for me and I’m excited to know how people feel about this exhibit.,” she reveals.
The artist’s latest works published on Instagram offer strong commentary on the political state of the country. Giving us a sneak peek of the themes that her new works at the exhibition will explore, Smish says, “I’ve been heavily inspired by the works of George Orwell’s timeless book, 1984 for this exhibition. I think if the viewers come with an open mind they can expect a lot of ideas pertaining to the times we’re currently living in across the world. I’m hoping it’ll evoke a sense of nostalgia and relatability in people visiting the gallery.”
ON October 28; 8 pm
AT Method, 86, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
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