Audience engagement is a key aspect of Indian artist Jitish Kallat’s work, as he often incorporates participatory and public art elements into his installations. One of his notable works, “Public Notice 2” from 2007, featured shelves holding 4,479 resin letters resembling bones that spelled out Mohandas Gandhi’s 1930 speech delivered during the Dandi March. This installation invited viewers to reflect on Gandhi’s words decades later.
Kallat’s recent project, “Antumbra,” was initially presented as a participatory installation at the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art’s (FICA) showcase at the India Art Fair 2024 in Delhi. The installation aimed to immerse audiences in the life of South African leader Nelson Mandela, highlighting his anti-Apartheid activism and its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice in India and South Asia. Scans of Mandela’s desk calendar entries from 1976 to 1989 were projected in a darkened room, offering insights into his daily routines, interactions, and health while he was incarcerated.
Curator Sukanya Baskar curated a book published by FICA in September, preserving the essence of “Antumbra” in a physical format. The book includes images of the installation, an essay by art historian Beth Citron, and a conversation between Kallat and legal professional Albie Sachs, who was appointed as a judge on South Africa’s Constitutional Court by Mandela.
The Redaction typeface, developed in 2019 by Titus Kaphar and Reginald Dwayne Betts, plays a significant role in the book, emphasizing the contrast between social and legal definitions of justice. “Antumbra,” presented in a hardbound format, features a dark cover and spiral-bound pages resembling a desk calendar, allowing readers to explore Kallat’s interpretation of Mandela’s life.
Entries in the book include notes from Mandela’s meetings and activities, accompanied by images of landscapes and artworks that he would have encountered during his time in prison. The meticulous recording of mundane details like blood pressure readings and daily activities offers a glimpse into Mandela’s inner life and the societal structures of violence and injustice that he confronted.
Through “Antumbra,” Jitish Kallat invites audiences to engage with the legacy of Nelson Mandela and reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in society. The book serves as a tangible extension of the participatory installation, providing a deeper understanding of Mandela’s resilience and commitment to fighting against oppression.
