MELBOURNE, 3 October, 2024: All migrants have two countries – where they lived once and the current abode. Australia being a country of migrants (the Aborigines see it differently), in fact, have many worlds colliding. For an individual it might just be two, a journey like the one you can read in ‘Dirty Little Secrets’ penned by Nandita Chakraborty, displayed at the exhibition, part of the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival.
With Nandita the collaborating artists create a journey of touch, feel and sound. The migration saga’s experiences are on display as art. The 17 creations at the SOL Gallery, Brunswick Street, truly reflect the ambience of colliding worlds or one may call it merging worlds. The writer’s migration experience facing challenges and then overcoming them is a truism. Nandita rightly says the book has to be read to get the feel of what she experienced.
The exhibition has the shadow of Nandita’s rather tough migrant journey that saw broken relationships, being scammed online, an almost fatal accident and day to day experiences. Her writings (this is her third book) are laced with her family’s literary and cultural excellence. Her father’s film, Search of Famine was the first Indian regional film to win the prestigious Silver Bear at the 1980 Berlin Film Festival.
Apart from Nandita, others who have contributed to this unique exhibition are Laura Bailey, Shipra Anand, Samantha Lord, Mahima Gadiyar, Akshay Gandhi (India) and Rohit Basi (India).
The display of migrant memorabilia like old letters, Indian currency notes, family photographs, cards, old passport, Australian Citizenship certificate etc. in a specified space gives a nostalgic touch to the exhibition. A few containers of lentils and spices in traditional ‘Masale Dani’ nearby reflects the food culture a migrant brings here. A traditional classical Indian dance item to mark the occasion added to the evenings charm.
No doubt, ‘Book to Gallery’ reminds us the memories we have, our struggles in a new country, the ups and downs, and the multicultural Australia we live and enjoy. Just like Nandita and her fellow participants in this art exhibition, we are all in the same boat. The use of art to express one’s journey is unique in this exhibition. Well done, Nandita and the team,.
Name- Two Worlds Collide, 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival
Venue – SOL Gallery, 420 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065.
Dates – 3 Oct to 13 October, 2024.
Days/Timings – Tue – Sun 11 am – 6 pm.
Email- info@solgallery.com.au
Phone – 03 9913 5833.
