The murder of playwright and activist Safdar Hashmi in 1989 created a deep impact on Ram Rahman, one of India’s most sought-after contemporary photographers. Hashmi was a dear friend to Ram. The activist in Ram took shape — and his belief that artists have a better chance at getting through to people only egged him on.
By collaborating with Sahmat (the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust which was founded in 1989), Ram started working on a platform for freedom of speech. At ‘India: Art Today’, a conference of seven lectures dissecting contemporary art practices in India, Ram, along with six other artists, will probe dissent and activism in art.
“I am going to show how artists have responded in different ways to the political and social atmosphere around them,” says Ram, who had a body of work on architectural sites, on display at the recently concluded Chennai Photo Biennale. He has also been collaborating with others through Sahmat, using photography, videos, assemblage and so on.
- Non-Commercial Art: Platforms & Patronage - Akanksha Rastogi
- Beyond the Museum: Ideology & Concepts - Amit Jain
- Public and Community-based Practices in Art - Sharmila Samant
- - Ram Rahman
- - Saloni Doshi
- What’s New: Medium & Performance - Amitesh Grover
- Interventions of Architects & Scenographers - Mayank Mansingh Kaul
Three decades ago, Ram says, self-censorship was rare. With increased censorship of writers, journalists and activists, the atmosphere has undergone a drastic change, he points out. “Sadly, some of them don’t even realise how constrained their frame has become,” he continues, stating that many are increasingly careful about touching on mythological topics.
But how can an artist retaliate in such cases? “The idea is to just keep making the art they want to. Without fear,” he says.
Ram claims that artists are more relatable to the public. “People trust artists more than they trust politicians. I think it is important that people who are in the public realm take a stand — have an opinion. They are not running for votes.” The veteran artist adds that if rationalism is propagated frequently, at least some of it will seep down to audiences.
Dissent, Subversion and Politics in Art by Ram Rahman will be part of India: Art Today conference which will be held on March 30, from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on March 31, from 11 am to 2 pm, at ITC Grand Chola, Guindy. Live streaming is also available on request. Contact 9717006963 for entry details.