But I’m not okay with that. I’m not okay with being tokenized. I’m not okay with being fetishized. I’m not okay with being silenced. And I’m not okay with being complicit in my own oppression. And so, I will continue to make the work that I make, because it’s the only way I know how to exist in the world.
H:Your exhibition is filled with political and social commentary. Can you talk a little bit about how your art intersects with activism?
PA: I think my art has always been political. I think being a woman of color, being a South Asian woman, it’s impossible for your art not to be political. You’re already political just by existing. And for me, it’s always been about using my voice, using my platform, using my privilege to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized, those who are silenced, those who are oppressed.
Installation view of Talkin’ Bout a Revolution (image courtesy the artist and Pen and Brush)
And I think that’s what art is supposed to do. It’s supposed to challenge, it’s supposed to provoke, it’s supposed to make you uncomfortable. Because it’s only in that discomfort that change can happen. And so, for me, art and activism are intrinsically linked. They’re two sides of the same coin. And I will continue to use my art as a tool for change, for justice, for liberation.
H:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your experiences with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
PA: I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, who has believed in me, who has stood by me. Thank you to all the artists, the activists, the organizers who have paved the way for me. And thank you to my community, my family, my friends. I couldn’t have done this without you. And I hope that my art can be a source of inspiration, of empowerment, of healing for all those who see it.
As I walked out of Talkin’ Bout a Revolution, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the power and beauty of Pyaari Azaadi’s work. Through her art, she has not only challenged societal norms and systems of oppression but has also created a space for healing, for reflection, and for transformation. Her exhibition is a testament to the strength and resilience of the South Asian diaspora, and to the enduring power of art as a tool for change.
about the artist Pyaari Azaadi and her exhibition Talkin’ Bout a Revolution at Chelsea’s Pen and Brush. The article delves into Azaadi’s personal relationships, her activism, and the political nature of her art, showcasing the impact of her work on the South Asian diaspora and beyond. Pyaari Azaadi, formerly known as Jaishri Abichandani, recently showcased her art exhibition in New York City, dedicated to the South Asian feminist community. The exhibition received a heartwarming response from the audience, showcasing the artist’s dedication to representing marginalized voices, particularly Dalit women.
In a recent interview, Pyaari Azaadi shared her struggles as a South Asian feminist killjoy in a hyper-capitalist society. She discussed the challenge of balancing art that she wants to create versus what is commercially viable. Despite the lack of coverage and sales, she emphasized the importance of creating art that speaks to her values and beliefs, even if it may not bring in substantial profits.
One of the standout features of Pyaari Azaadi’s exhibition is the central focus on Dalit voices. With several pieces dedicated to highlighting the experiences of Dalit women, the artist emphasized the importance of acknowledging caste privilege and standing against systems of oppression in the pursuit of equality.
The exhibition also prominently features Hindu iconography, which Pyaari Azaadi uses as an aesthetic language to critique and challenge traditional narratives. She explained that her use of Hindu iconography is a way of reclaiming and subverting the symbols, rather than simply reclaiming them.
In a significant move, Pyaari Azaadi changed her name to distance herself from Hindu fundamentalist violence associated with her previous name. The new name, Pyaari Azaadi, reflects her commitment to freedom and liberation for all, especially marginalized communities.
The artist also shared her thoughts on the impact of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, on South Asian art spaces. While acknowledging the potential changes that may come with a South Asian mayor, Pyaari Azaadi emphasized the importance of standing with marginalized communities, regardless of one’s access and privilege.
Overall, Pyaari Azaadi’s exhibition serves as a powerful statement on feminism, caste privilege, and the intersection of art and activism. Through her art, she continues to challenge societal norms and advocate for greater representation and equality for all. The world is constantly changing, and with it, so are the ways in which we interact with one another. In recent years, social media has become a dominant force in how we communicate, share information, and connect with one another. With the rise of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, we are more connected than ever before.
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