VIBHA GALHOTRA

‘This exhibition at Goodman is a significant moment for me as anartist. Introducing my work to UK audiences allows for a broaderconversation about the urgent environmental issues we faceglobally.’ - Galhotra

Galhotra’s multimedia practice addresses the shifting topographyof a world radically transformed by climate change, consumerism,capitalism, and globalisation. Her work shares conceptual linkswith land art movements of the 1960s and 70s. Galhotra alsodraws from varying disciplines - including ecology, economicsand spirituality - to inform a poetic visual and renewed responseto the impact of human activity.

For ‘Climacteric Whispers’, the centrepiece for the exhibitionis taken from the artist’s ‘WOUNDED’ series. This body of workalludes to the scars humanity leaves on the planet through self-centred actions. The process of scar-making on the works’ surfacebecomes a metaphor for the perceived pain of the earth and itsfragile state, with paper casts bearing the imprint of sharp objects.The technique used revisits the “Wound” work of her favouriteIndian artist, Somnath Hore, who employs a similar approach.

In ‘FLOW’, Galhotra repurposes traditional Indian anklet bells, orghungroos, used in classical dance and ornamentation, for silentcontemplation. By detaching the ghungroos from their musicaland rhythmic essence, she creates new movements and patternsthat visually represent the voiceless and degrading environment.The structure of ‘FLOW’ mimics the path of the Yamuna River,highlighting how pollution has turned this sacred river into ahazard.

The exhibition also features the artist’s latest work ‘From the seriesBeneath’. This is an extension of her largest project ‘Future Fables’which delves into the intricate transformation of modern urbanenvironments and addresses the profound impact of wars andnatural disasters. Another iteration of this project will be producedduring the artist’s residency at the NIROX Foundation in SouthAfrica later this year.

Through ‘Climacteric Whispers’ Galhotra urges us to considerthe immediate present while highlighting the folly of investingin artificial means of survival on other planets. Her diverseinterventions in our planet’s habitat and beyond serve as apowerful call to action, reminding us of the need to change ourways before it’s too late.

Press release courtesy Goodman Gallery