Another thing that caught my attention during this week’s lecture was the Sahmat Collective, so I decided to do more research on it to learn what it was all about. On the websites homepage it reads, “Since 1989, the influential Delhi-based Sahmat has offered a platform for artists, writers, poets, musicians, actors and activists to create and present works of art that promote artistic freedom and celebrate secular, egalitarian values.” I learned that this collective began after an activist named Safdar Hasmi was killed while performing a street play. This was very interesting to me because as we discussed last week, the way things begin is important to note in a movement or piece of work. I also learned about “India’s culture wars” and that this collective was created by the belief that art can propel change and that culture can reach across boundaries. This collective thus offers a platform for artists to present powerful works of art that defend freedom of expression. Here is the link to the article: http://smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/exhibitions/the-sahmat-collective-art-and-activism-in-india-since-1989/
a wiki of socially engaged art