An exhibition titled ‘Ngok Dolu’ (My Village), featuring over 30 new artworks by multidisciplinary artist Jenjum Gadi, is set to open in New Delhi. The exhibition delves into themes of memory, landscape, and the transformative environments of Arunachal Pradesh, drawing inspiration from Gadi’s childhood experiences.
The exhibition, which will be held at Gallery Vayu, a curatorial initiative by Vayu: Design for Living, located on Lodhi Road, is scheduled to run from September 11 to September 30. ‘Ngok Dolu’ will showcase a range of artistic expressions including wall hangings, installations, and sculptural works.
Gadi’s art in this collection is deeply rooted in his upbringing in a small, self-sustaining village in Arunachal Pradesh. The works reflect his ongoing connection with the material, cultural, and natural world of his formative years. Having grown up in close proximity to land and nature, Gadi’s childhood was shaped by elements such as bamboo, wood, thatch homes, cultivated fields, forests, rivers, and orchards. These elements were not merely scenic backdrops but foundational aspects of his daily life, carrying with them knowledge, stories, and traditional worldviews.
The exhibition aims to explore the essence of what remains with individuals as the places that shaped them undergo transformation. ‘Ngok Dolu’ revisits these environments through the lens of memory, considering the enduring impact of places that begin to change.
The artist draws upon recollections of village architecture, agricultural practices, weather patterns, traditional crafts, and the rhythm of village life. Recurring elements in his works shift between observation and recollection, and between what is remembered and what is imagined. The organizers stated that through this process, memory becomes a means of preserving experiences and forms that cannot always be physically retained.
A notable motif recurring throughout the exhibition is the cloud, appearing in various forms. For Gadi, the cloud serves as a silent observer of a perpetually changing landscape. Working predominantly with brass, Gadi translates these ephemeral impressions into sculptural forms, imbuing them with a sense of permanence that contrasts with the fluid nature of the landscape they represent.
Jenjum Gadi, who transitioned from fashion design to art, uses brass as his primary medium. His practice involves transforming personal recollections into sculptural pieces that explore the interconnectedness of place, memory, and material. This exhibition follows his previous solo shows, including ‘Apase – From My Mother’s Garden’ and ‘Transcendent Memories,’ which also explored themes of heritage, memory, and craftsmanship, often incorporating Pichwai-inspired engravings into his brass sculptures.
Gallery Vayu, the venue for the exhibition, is a recognized curatorial initiative that supports contemporary Indian art. The exhibition ‘Ngok Dolu’ opens on September 11 and will be accessible to the public until September 30, with daily viewing hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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