ICAAD and artist, storyteller, and advocate Vishavjit Singh, in partnership with the Sikh Coalition, are bringing together a multimedia exhibit from October 31 to November 9 titled 40 Years Later: Art, Resilience, and the Legacy of 1984.
The exhibit marks the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide on the streets of New Delhi and cities throughout India. Beginning on October 31, 1984, the government in power at the time launched a premeditated and organized campaign of violence against Sikhs, including killings, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, the desecration and destruction of gurdwaras and libraries, and the destruction of Sikh homes and businesses. Tens of thousands lost their lives during the genocide and over a decade of subsequent violence, and millions carry the generational trauma of this tragedy around the globe from India and the United States to Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Vishavjit himself, along with his family, survived an attack by a mob on November 1, 1984, in Delhi.
To commemorate the tragic and pivotal moment in the annals of global history, over a dozen creators from diverse traditions will exhibit works of art including illustrations, sculptures, rare photographs, videos, poetry, typography, graphics, images from an Amnesty International Report and a collection of New York Times headline covers. The exhibition will also occasionally feature speakers, beginning with an Opening Reception featuring speakers discussing its historical significance, including Dr. Stephen Duncombe, a Professor at the Gallatin School and the Department of Media, Culture and Communication of New York University; representatives of both ICAAD and the Sikh Coalition; and Vishavjit Singh.
We must also not overlook that the desire to silence Sikh voices and identity extends to the current transnational repression being meted out by India globally. This exhibit speaks to the resilience of the Sikh community and their unyielding struggle to simply exist.
WHEN:
Opening Reception: October 31, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Exhibit Runs: November 1 through November 9; Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE:
Jutta Gallery, 104 Charlton St 1E Front, New York, NY 10014
At this free exhibit, you’ll be able to explore and learn from:
- NY Times homepage covers from Nov. 1984
- Rare color photos on streets of Delhi with mobs and fires ranging from the lens of an amateur photographer on Nov. 1, 1984
- Amnesty International photos of survivors from the worst affected area of Widow Colony in Delhi
- Documentary Films/Associated Press Video News coverage from 1984
- Sculptures
- Listening Workshop with stories of survival and resilience from Singhs and Kaurs in Widow Colony
- Poems
- Illustrations
- Fabric based art
RECEPTION SPEAKERS ON OCTOBER 31st:
Dr. Stephen Duncombe, NYU
Vishavjit Singh, SikhToons
Hansdeep Singh, ICAAD
Harmeet Kaur Kamboj, The Sikh Coalition
ADDITIONAL KEYNOTES:
- Human Rights Advocate & Author Sanam Sutirath Wazir (formerly with Amnesty International), 11/2, 6 PM
- Survivor turned musician and philanthropist Dilbagh Singh, 11/8, 6 PM
