2016
“WINTER RESIDNECY PROGRAM”

D.I.S.C. The Art organized a 90-day residency program from 10th January to 10th April 2016, providing a unique experience for resident artists Ausra Kleizaite, Bryony Doel, and Cathe Janke. This unique residency was divided into two distinct parts: traveling to rural Odisha and a basecamp where workshops and exhibition preparations took place. The participating artists explore themselves in the program, they had an opportunity to explore and learn from local artisans.

One of the highlights of the residency was the creation of a Saraswati idol for Saraswati puja. Guided by traditional methods, the artists enthusiastically involve the clay-making process. They learn step by step crafted armatures out of straw, carefully applied local colors to paint the idols, and actively participated in the sacred rituals associated with Saraswati puja. This collaborative endeavour allowed them to not only explore traditional techniques but also engage with the spiritual and cultural significance of the art form.

At the basecamp, the artists worked closely with local artisans, created meaningful collaborations and acquiring new skills from ancient art practices. The collaboration extended to Dokra casting, a traditional metal casting technique popularly known as lost wax metal casting. Working alongside Akhila Gadtia and Sanjukta Gadtia, highly skilled Dokra casters from the Situlia community in Adakata, Gania, and the artists were able to learn and create works experimented with the material and ancient craft practices within the Situlia community .

Further expanding their artistic practices, the residents artists explored the wild Tusser silk of Fakirpur village. They experimented with printing and hand-painting sarees, exploring the possibilities and intricacies of this beautiful textile art. Through their exploration, they discovered new techniques, colors, and patterns that enriched their artistic expressions.

The artists also had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with terracotta families, practicing their skills in this ancient art form. The terracotta work not only presented a unique medium for artistic exploration but also provided a deep connection to the rich cultural heritage of the region. By engaging themselves in these traditional techniques, the artists not only expanded their artistic abilities but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural context that shaped the art forms.

The entire residency program was a unique experience, as the artists journeyed through rural Odisha, interacted with artisans, and traditional craftsmanship. They witnessed the simplicity of life and artistic endeavours, discovering the profound connection between artistic efforts and the core of existence. The residency allowed them to get into their internal landscapes, creating works that seamlessly individual expression with the collective spirit of the region.

The final outcome of their artistic exploration was the preparation for the exhibition. The artists worked hard, weaving together their experiences, techniques, and inspirations to create work of art. Each artist brought their unique perspective, with borders dissolving, figures merging with their surroundings, and collective experiences intertwining in their painted works. The textures, materials, and colors of rural Odisha provided the backdrop and medium for their creations interplay between ancient practice and contemporary.

The sculpture works, inspired by Terracotta, Dokra casting and stone carving which add life into work of art and concepts. Figures and shapes interconnected and twisted together in balance, representing the unity within multiplicity.

The artists' collaboration with local artisans and communities nurtured a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of Odisha. Through their artistic endeavours, they celebrated the beauty and fragility of these techniques, recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting them in the face of modernity's encroachment.

The D.I.S.C. residency program provided a transformative journey into the heart of Odisha's artistic and cultural landscape. Through their interactions with artisans, engagement in traditional techniques, and collaborations, the resident artists Ausra Kleizaite, Bryony Doel, and Cathe Janke were able to create works that reflect the richness of their experiences and the profound beauty of rural Odisha. The residency served as a catalyst for their artistic growth, further solidifying their commitment to preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship in a rapidly changing world.