Color is not only part of the orientalist fantasy of the diaspora, but in the past has been its literal export and is now a symbol of “polarizing feelings and thoughts” within the South Asian community. The multiplicity of meanings within the concept of “color” resonates in the language of saffronisation, of ongoing colorism within the diaspora, in blanket groupings of “people of color,” in the history of colonization that brought India’s indigo to the world, in the “green” tours of Sri Lanka and in the bluest Lapis Lazuli that grew in Afghanistan.
How do we relate to color in our artwork? Do these symbols and techniques feel culturally rooted? What kind of memories do we have of color? Artists who work with color (or meaningfully work without it) and would like to workshop their art (any medium) are encouraged to join the workshop.
Facilitated by Monica Mohapatra and Amanda Goonetillekeas part of Happy Family Night Market 2019.
