At Dhi Contemporary’s new exhibition, 'Protocols of Living,' emerging Indian artists explore the invisible frameworks governing survival, memory, and community.

Key Takeaways

  • The 'Protocols of Living' exhibition is currently showing at Dhi Contemporary, Hyderabad.
  • Four emerging artists explore themes of history, identity, and social structures.
  • The artworks use diverse media to examine topics like pandemics, displacement, and public infrastructure.

The ongoing exhibition 'Protocols of Living' at the Dhi Contemporary gallery in Madhapur, Hyderabad, serves as a profound exploration of the invisible protocols that govern our existence. Featuring the works of several of India’s most promising emerging contemporary voices, the show is on view until August 3.

Rather than merely depicting visible objects, the participating artists delve into the subtle frameworks of contemporary life—spaces marked by absence, fragmented communication, and the landscapes transformed by human intervention. The exhibition seeks to bring attention to the structures that often go unnoticed yet dictate social behavior and governance.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that contemporary art is increasingly becoming a tool for sociological inquiry. By examining the intersection of personal experience and systemic structures, these artists bridge the gap between individual trauma and collective history, making complex social issues tangible and visceral.

Art serves as a vital lens through which we can observe the structural forces that shape our collective reality.

Among the standout exhibits is Gayathri T Santhosh’s immersive installation, which draws from historical research of the Bombay and Calcutta plagues to reflect on collective trauma and resilience. Similarly, Prajwal Naitam, hailing from the Gond tribal community, utilizes soil and acrylic to challenge dominant societal systems through the lens of indigenous kinship and ancestral memory.

The exhibition also features Subhendu Karmakar, whose work uses iron sheets and dust to explore the decay of public infrastructure, and Soumen Ray, who captures the tension between rapid urban progress and the fading traces of the past. Ray’s work, in particular, uses a muted palette to reflect the environmental impact of pollution and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Where can I visit this exhibition?

The exhibition is held at the Dhi Contemporary gallery in Madhapur, Hyderabad.

Question 2: Who are the featured artists?

The exhibition features works by Gayathri T Santhosh, Prajwal Naitam, Subhendu Karmakar, and Soumen Ray.

Did You Know?: Artist Gayathri T Santhosh uses the technique of cross-embroidery to symbolically represent lives lost during historical pandemics.