Uncanny Solace: Bizarre Rituals
© Arka Dutta
Curator’s Statement
This exhibition gives us an insight into the deep-rooted unquestioning faith and superstition within certain Indian communities, which are far removed from urban reality. These communities encourage and follow strange rituals, which are directed by false beliefs and lack of education. Such beliefs which emerge out of ignorance, perceived supernatural influences and fear of the unknown, are followed in order to achieve a sense of cultural, economical, social or religious well being.
The plethora of blind faith and superstitious characters can vary depending on the region and culture which is deeply embedded within their system and passed on for generations. These rituals can go way beyond its rationale, transforming into that power which becomes their ultimate intangible hope and optimism.
On the face of it, some rituals might sometimes look brutally violent, cruel and disturbing. Certain rituals like, black magic, witchcraft, self inflicted injuries and animal sacrifices are a few among others that are sometimes hard to comprehend.
These uncanny beliefs transform into a greater meaning in the lives of people who follow them as the world is turning more and more materialistic. In many regions, most believers primarily come from uneducated and economically weaker sections. As the survival gets tougher, the sorrows and pressures increase for the communities and therefore begins the search for ultimate inner comfort.
People who have immense faith in such ritualistic lives, perceive these traditions to achieve a sense of spirituality and a connection with the gods or powerful spirits with immense hope, which to most educated and urban being may sound rigid and false.
Over the recent years, such practices have been criticised and even suggested to be made unlawful, but it is also a very politically and religiously sensitive issue to intervene.
This exhibition represents four Indian photographers - Arka Dutta ( Gajan & Charak Festival ), Arnab Adak, ( Rituals- faith or Superstition ) Taha Ahmad ( A Displaced Hope ) and Vinod Babu Venkapalli ( For the Promised Heaven in the Sky ), who have through their own individual story telling sensibility and strong sense of imagery have deeply explored and investigated on the subject through varied communities and their diverse practice of worshipping the superstitious and supernatural forces spanning the country.
© Sandeep Biswas2021