NOT EVERYONE WILL DANCE IN THE RAIN

Shalini Dam uses her piece to explore contradictions and dualities hidden under the surface. By manipulating the surface of clay, she creates an optical illusion that animates the surface. As the viewer walks across the work or around it, the image changes, making the viewer’s engagement and interaction integral to the artwork.

For Breaking Ground 2018, Shalini explores the narrative around water – particularly its accessibility. Who gets a share of this natural resource and who is denied? The installation references the ancient step-wells that were indigenous to the Subcontinent and draws inspiration from one of the most documented and photographed step-wells, not far from the city of Jaipur, the Chand Baoli of Abaneri. Interestingly, the architecture of Jawahar Kala Kendra also references these architectural elements in the design of its courtyard.

After a two-decade distinguished career in advertising SHALINI DAM decided to change track and did her Masters in Ceramics from Cardiff School of Art & Design, Wales, UK. She lives in a remote village in Himachal Pradesh where she recently built a studio. Over the last three years she has shown her work at Mrittika 3, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, CretaYuga, Argilla, Faenza, Italy, Ex-Tempore, Zagreb, Croatia, All India Studio Potters’ Exhibition, AIFACS, Porcelain 2018, Visual Art Gallery, IHC, Delhi. In 2017 she was awarded the second prize at the 20th All India Studio Pottery Exhibition organised by AIFACS.

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