Unhoming: Fragile Belonging

Exhibit 320, a leading contemporary art gallery dedicated to fostering critical artistic discourse, presents exhibition, Unhoming: Fragile Belonging. Curated by Deeksha Nath, the exhibition delves into themes of displacement, systemic violence, and the nuanced concept of home through the works of distinguished artists, including Zarina Hashmi, Nilima Sheikh, B.V. Suresh, Praneet Soi, Martand Khosla, Sumakshi Singh, Remen Chopra W. Van Der Vaart, Vishwa Shroff, Vikrant Bhise, Deepak Kumar, and Sareena Khemka. The month-long exhibition will be on view from 9th December ‘24, at Exhibit 320.

Founded by Rasika Kajaria, Exhibit 320 continues its tradition of presenting thought-provoking works that resonate with global socio-political issues. The exhibition emerges as a visceral response to the incomprehensible and often morally disjointed realities of displacement, oppression, and human suffering—specifically in the context of Gaza. As the ongoing crisis forces millions to flee their homes and confront systemic violence, the exhibition seeks to explore the fractured notions of home, identity, and belonging. The very term unhoming conjures up a poignant sense of uprootedness, a loss that goes beyond mere physical shelter and penetrates the core of one’s socio-psychological and cultural existence. 

“Unhoming speaks to a universal rupture—a disconnect from one’s roots, identity, and the very fabric of belonging,' shares Rasika Kajaria, Founder of Exhibit 320. “This exhibition is a testament to art’s ability to amplify voices, provoke thought, and inspire empathy, especially in times of profound human suffering.”

The exhibition aims to address the profound dissonance many feel as they witness violence while grappling with their own privilege and the relative safety of their homes. The works reflect on the derogatory labelling of displaced individuals—migrants, refugees, asylum seekers—and the societal marginalisation they endure. This alienation mirrors a deeper crisis of identity, where being unhomed also implies a severance from community, culture, and self. 

The exploration of the constructs of "home" is crucial because it challenges viewers to rethink what it means to belong and how society places differential values on life. Through varied artistic media, the exhibition aims to evoke both empathy and critical reflection, drawing attention to the shared human experience of displacement and the stark inequities that arise when people are stripped of their homes and their dignity.

The exhibition features works that delve into the nuances of memory, resilience, and the human connection to space and time. Vishwa Shroff's 'Night Window, Early Morning' captures the quiet interplay of light and stillness in intimate spaces. Sareena Khemka’s 'Landscape of Loss and Belonging' reflects on the transient nature of urban landscapes and the memories etched within. Suresh BV’s 'Red Canvas' contemplates socio-political unrest through painterly reflections on home and land. Zarina’s 'Delhi Series' transforms cartographical studies into poignant meditations on rootlessness and partition. Vikrant Bhise’s works echo the themes of resistance and resilience, spotlighting systemic violence and collective struggles for justice. Each artwork enriches the exhibition’s exploration of the invisible threads that shape our identities and environments.

Unhoming: Fragile Belonging invites audiences to critically engage with issues of displacement and forced migration, addressing the derogatory labels and marginalisation faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. It underscores the shared humanity that transcends divisions, urging viewers to reflect on their own privileges and responsibilities.