Exhibitions

Mindscapes: In the company of others

In Bengaluru, multiple overlapping identities co-exist in the form of languages and dialects. This exhibition intends to locate spaces in which spoken language can take the shape of thoughts, actions, and gestures. It turns towards structures of exclusion to understand a lack of expression of emotional health. What is speakable? How do we share our experiences of trauma? How do we also share our joy and respite? When do we speak up loudly for ourselves- when do we whisper?

This exhibition, showcasing Mindscapes Bengaluru Artist-In-Residence, Indu Antony’s works is at three locations across Bengaluru, inviting ideas, artworks and people to travel through the city: at the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP); the artist’s studio space Kanike in Cooke town; and Namma Katte, a place for leisure for the women and children of Lingarajapuram. Antony’s work foregrounds questions around language on mental health and the city, care and a shared space for healing in togetherness. 

With Antony’s work at the centre of the exhibition, it not only raises questions about identity, play, rest and the location of the self but also about the space for emotions, trauma and joy. The exhibition showcases jointly produced works between Antony with women in Lingarajapuram and Namma Katte, that have evolved out of conversations over the past two years, but that also reflect the artist’s mindspace and identity. 

Mindscapes is an international cultural programme about mental health developed by the Wellcome Trust with an aim to change how we understand, address and talk about mental health by bringing together cultural, policy and research folks.

Alongside Antony’s work, we see this as an opportunity to share other projects that evolved through the Mindscapes programme. As part of the Mindscapes exhibition, MAP is showcasing the work of Cecilie Falkenstrøm, the Mindscapes international artist in residence, titled I see it, so you don’t have to.

Art for Thought, a set of mindful learning exercises–developed by the Museum of Art & Photography and UnBox Cultural Futures Society–is also on display together with Mindscapes artist in residence at large Christine Wong Yap’s co-created zines. Expanding the conversation on mental health, art and language in the exhibition space is a thoughtful film work titled Kāḷaji nagara by Maitri Gopalakrishna and Debosmita Dam.

This programme is organised in collaboration with Indu Antony as Artist-in-Residence and Wellcome Trust. It is part of Mindscapes, an international cultural initiative, informed and inspired by Wellcome’s mental health programme.

Installation view of 'Mindscapes: In the company of others' at MAP, Bengaluru