By Ridhi Doshi
One of the important aspects of the Dubai Art Fair is performance art — a form where the artist becomes the subject and engages in a particular action, using an interesting installation as a prop to convey a message to his spectators.
Indian artist, Monali Meher’s performance art was inspired by the recent terror attacks in Mumbai. Blood oozed out continuously onto a white sheet of cloth as onlookers watched Meher determinedly trying to wash off all the stains of the blood with water drawn from buckets and various kinds of wash brushes. Meher went on for about two hours non stop, attracting several curious onlookers to her exhibit. Eventually, Meher stood, her dress, hands and legs completely stained with blood.
Meher says, “I was born and bought up in Mumbai. What happened recently affected me deeply.” She adds, “Acts of terror just keep repeating all across the world. There seems to be no end. So through this work, I show that I am silent but determined to wipe out terrorism from our society. I strongly believe that if everybody is equally determined as I am, we will be a terrorism-free society very soon.”
Meher has performed at many fairs earlier as well. “Most of my works have a form of physical expression and if it is complemented with some kind of action, it becomes more interesting,” she explains. She agrees that performance art is a relatively new form of art for Indian audiences, but is confident that it is the type that will be appreciated by everyone.
“Most importantly it will move you,” reassures Meher who is planning a performance in Mumbai very soon. I want to do something which has a cosmopolitan feel, just like the city.”