Shirin Gallery, New York
India Art Fair, New Delhi
Sculptural Installation (Acrylic, Metal, Wood)
8’X8’X4’
A collaboration between Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall, Humsa/ Hamsa uses the hamsa, an ancient palm-shaped symbol of protection, as a design motif within a jaali, latticed screens prevalent in Indo-Islamic architecture, to highlight the dual nature of these screens, as both a means of protection and oppression. A popular architectural feature in women’s quarters, jaalis allowed those within, to “participate”, while remaining hidden from public view. Positioned to say “stop”, the hamsas in the screen reinforces the purpose of the jaali as protective barrier. However, the open stance of the installation reveals the hypocrisy of this gesture, exposing the restrictive nature of this facade of protection.
