Karuvil (In the Womb): Part One

This installation intended to create an alternate and inclusive space, demonstrating the cultural practice within the Tamil-Hindu community and globally of excluding menstruating women from sacred/auspicious spaces. This project saw the prayers, wishes, and desires of women in my community written on panty liners and exhibited in the space, sanctifying the space of performance.

April 2016
The Bindery Lab (Dressing Room), UCT Hiddingh Campus
Photos by Dean Hutton
Set Construction assistance: Kate Jaskolski

Karuvil (In the womb) Part Two.​​

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In this re-performed, re-imagined puberty ceremony, the performance elaborates on the unspoken violence in relation to the brown body with reference to ceremonial practices around puberty for Tamil girls in the context of  Durban, South Africa. The performer was dressed in the same sari she wore at 12 years old. Multiple images of adorned brown bodies and subtle violence fill the space as the performer sits quietly; legs splayed, eating Nik Naks and serving the audience sweets. 

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February 2017

Youngblood Studio, Bree Street, Cape Town. 

ICA Live Art Festival 2017.

Photos by Dean Hutton.