Sappho For Equality, established in 1999, completed 25 years and a commemorative exhibition was organised between June 18 and 20 at Gallery Gold, Kalighat. The exhibition saw some detail-oriented, strong, rebellious and meaningful art by queer artists. The art forms included visual arts, performing arts (dance, drama) and cinema. Two of the installations that caught our eye were ‘Bosot Bari’ and ‘Michil Bari’, which illustrated the intimate connection between the personal and the political. Bosot Bari reflected the safe spaces created within homes and communities, nurturing queer identities and relationships. Michil Bari, on the other hand, represented the collective activism and the powerful marches that have paved the way for visibility and change. Glimpses...
A drama performance was held during the exhibition
Co-curator of the exhibition and queer visual artist and activist, Archee Roy said: “These installations are not just artistic expressions, they are testimonies of our lived experiences and the relentless fight for equality. Through them, we aim to share our journey, evoke empathy, and inspire continued advocacy for the rights and recognition of the queer community in South Asia and beyond.”
Co-curator of Paaye Paaye 25 and co-founder of Sappho for Equality, Subhagata Ghosh Akanksha said: “Looking at the society for the quarter of a century through a marginal lens helped me understand life more critically. And that was the inspiration behind this exhibition. Witnessing the journey from day zero to the silver jubilee of Sappho Collective is re-living the trauma and rejoicing in the triumph, crafting friendship and building camaraderie.”