Date: December 4 – 6, 2018

‘The Art of Violence’, an art exhibition was organised in a popular mall in South Delhi, from December 4th to 6th, 2018. This exhibition which explored art as a medium to raise difficult questions around violence was accompanied by survivor and survivor-produced artwork and other interactive events. The paintings on display were by artist Bernard Cargay which depicted different aspects of violence against the poor in India, including sex trafficking, bonded labor, manual scavenging and domestic servitude. The sequence of paintings was an attempt to highlight different types of violence through the lenses of culture, cast, class, economical-status etc. When we talk about violence most of the images are of blood shed or something that is very gruesome. However, through this event, the organisers wanted to show violence starts from the point of being indifferent in our own hearts.  The event tried to present a solution that the society can come out of its indifference and silence, and start engaging with the issue as civil society, law enforcement agencies and justice system.

A unique feature of the event was its interactive nature, as visitors were provided a platform to interpret everyday violence through their own paintings at the event. In addition to artists and survivors interacting with the audience, the event had featured a signature board where visitors have signed a pledge to stand against everyday violence that they encounter. More than 275 citizens pledged their support against everyday violence. Around 700 postcards of the paintings were distributed.