Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam – Burning Against the Dying of the Light. An exhibition presented by Khoj and TBA21

Courtesy of the artists
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Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam have been making films together for three decades. Their work, which includes several documentaries, video installations and one dramatic feature, has focused on a number of recurring motifs and concerns. One such subject is Tibet, with which they have been intimately engaged on a number of different levels: personally, politically and artistically. Through their films, they have attempted to document, question and reflect on the issues of exile, identity, politics and nationalism that confront the Tibetan people. 
The exhibition Burning Against the Dying of the Light  comprises a selection of works that investigates both Tibet’s ongoing political struggle and the transformations that are taking place in the Himalayan region where they live, wrought by deliberate colonial policies, the impact of globalisation, or a combination of the two. Some of the works have been created specifically for this show, and others have never been shown before in India. The title of the exhibition – Burning Against the Dying of the Light – refers to a newly produced, pivotal work within this exhibition, a multi-media installation which examines and contextualizes the politics of protest in Tibet, especially in their latest primary manifestation, self-immolations.

Khoj International Artists’ Association is a not- for-profit, contemporary art organisation based in New Delhi, which provides physical, intellectual and financial support for artists and creative practitioners. Through a variety of programmes including workshops, residencies, exhibitions, talks, and community art projects.
Khoj has built an international reputation as outstanding alternative arts incubation space. Since 1997, Khoj has developed itself as a unique ‘art lab’, and has supported the experimentation of many leading Indian and International artists. It plays a central role in the advance of experimental, interdisciplinary, and critical contemporary art practice in India – constantly challenging the established thinking about art. By bringing together a diverse range of artists and art practices, Khoj aims to facilitate change and awareness of vital global issues and concerns through active and engaged audience participation, and is seen as a vanguard of the vital optimism that is shaping contemporary India. 


Ritu Sarin: born in New Delhi |  Tenzing Sonam: born 1959 in Darjeeling, Tibet
Both are living and working in Dharamshala and New Delhi.

Artists website
duration
December 10–31, 2015
location
Khoj Studios, S-17 Khirkee Extension, 110017