Dates: 3rd – 13th October 2024
• Venue: SOL GALLERY, 420 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065
• Part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival
Nandita Chakraborty is an Indian born Australian who arrived in Australia to pursue a new life of opportunity only to find the cultural shock overwhelming. In addition, Nandita experienced a near death fall of 40 metres while hiking which left which left her with permanent cognitive impairment. Her recovery involved writing.
Her journey and award-winning book, Dirty Little Secrets, have now been translated into a captivating exhibition which will be showcased at SOL GALLERY during the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
The highly anticipated exhibition will take viewers on a groundbreaking journey through the senses with the world’s first book to gallery experience, inspired by Nandita’s evocative memoir, Dirty Little Secrets. The immersive exhibition delves deep into the emotional and sensory landscapes of migration, masterfully bridging the two worlds of its author, Nandita Chakraborty: the one she was born into and the one she now calls home.
“I am incredibly proud and extremely honoured to share my story with everyone in such an immersive and interactive way,” Chakraborty said.
“People will be able to explore and share my journey through touch, feel, and sound, gaining a profound perspective on the intricate tapestry of migration.”
The exhibition has been described as a sensory odyssey that invites visitors to connect intimately with the author’s experiences, touching on the essence of what she has carried into her new life.
Chakraborty has brought together a highly talented group of collaborating artists to bring the exhibition to life including: Akhshay Gandhi: internationally acclaimed artist, Rohit Bhasi: Renowned creator of the book cover, Laura Bailey: Esteemed local artist, Shipra Anand: Celebrated for her intricate alpona (rangoli) patterns; and Samantha Lord: First Nation artist known for her meticulous dot paintings.
A highlight of the exhibition is a striking one-meter image titled ‘Two Worlds Collide’, which poignantly captures the essence of the migrant experience. This image will be intricately cut out and displayed alongside Kavad Katha, symbolising the blending of the artist’s journey past and present worlds. In addition, the exhibition will also feature other extraordinary displays of artistry by the collaborating artists for everyone to experience.
The Consulate General of India, Melbourne and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre are delighted to be collaborating with Nandita Chakraborty on the exhibition ‘Two Worlds Collide’.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to share our rich Indian cultural heritage as well as the strong cultural bridges between India and Australia. We wish her all the best for the Melbourne Fringe Festival,” Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Director, Niyati Mehta said.
