Sriparna dutta

In my practice, I explore fabrics as my medium extensively. My work extensively shows my

experiences in life and how I portray my every day in the medium. I use threads, cotton, and

decorative fabrics or laces as well as ashes, burns, and ink splashes in my creations. I use burn as a medium of symbolizing cremation, wound, and the sense of death. On the contrary, I use

embroidery to create the visual contrast that beauty creates against death. Most of my works are installation based. I extensively use used clothes that I collect from my own wardrobe or from people who are close to me. I believe that the human presence is well carried by the used clothes, as the remaining body smell is always present, even if the clothes are discarded. Every piece of cloth carries the touch of the owner. I have so much remaining from my late father, like spectacles, buttons, and even a watch. But I have very little of his clothes, even there I can smell his body odor.

Whenever I see or touch that, I can feel his presence deeply. So, togetherness, presence, and

absence are very important contexts in my work. I deal with texts in my work. The juxtaposition of different clothes creates a dialogue of togetherness.
 

As a Feminist multidisciplinary artist, I am focusing on breaking down socio-economic class structures and addressing issues of othering in society, I have embarked on a community-based project in Mumbai.

Collaborated with various marginalized groups, including domestic workers, garbage cleaners, and victims of domestic violence, collected and documented their voices on pieces of Malmal fabric. Through mindful workshops, I teach them color theory, allowed them to playfully engage with colors and momentarily

escape their daily struggles. They then write about their rights, problems, and grief in their local languages on the fabric. I aim to raise awareness of their stories and struggles. Through this unique approach, I bridge the gap between privileged and marginalized women, highlighting the stark differences in their experiences shaped by class. This eye-opening journey has led me to collaborate with activists and NGOs, witnessing firsthand the harsh reality of economic discrimination in contemporary society, where basic human rights are denied to those in precarious socio-economic conditions.

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The process of this project provoked me to create this 10-artwork series named ‘ Presence of voice’. In this work, I work with the voice of Patriarchy norms or problematic distinctive society, where the sexiest gaps, as well as economic gaps, are very prominent. Todays time also women are suffering from domestic violence, and workers are earning only 62 rupees a day. Society is using the female body as a product.