Debjani Banerjee's exhibition Jalsaghar is an intricate exploration of identity, culture, and heritage. The title, which translates to "The Music Room," hints at a space of cultural expression. Banerjee's works delve into the multifaceted nature of her identity as a British Bengali, shaped by her experiences growing up in England during the 1980s. This backdrop provides a rich tapestry for examining the layers of cultural dissonance and hybridity that define her perspective.

Her sculptures, textiles and audio installations blend traditional Indian craft techniques with contemporary artistic expressions, reflecting the duality of her heritage. Banerjee draws inspiration from various sources, including family conversations, Indian pop culture, Hindu iconography, and sacred rituals. These elements are interwoven into her art, creating pieces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

In Jalsaghar, Debjani Banerjee has embraced her interest in workshops, engagement, and participatory art practices by collaborating with several artists and contributors. Bernie Reid, Marta Aspe, Susmita Pujara, and Kavi Pujara have all played significant roles in the creation of various aspects of the exhibition. This collaborative approach is central to Banerjee's work, emphasising community involvement and the blending of different artistic perspectives.

The exhibition navigates themes of cultural migration and the evolving nature of identity. Banerjee's work is characterised by a delicate balance of humour and poignancy, capturing the joy and melancholy inherent in the experience of belonging to multiple cultures.

Opening Preview and Performance

Join us for the exhibition's opening preview Friday 27 September, 7pm - 9pm. All welcome.

The opening preview will feature a special performance by Mita Pujara and Kavi Pujara, who will present two pieces of music inspired by traditional Bengali compositions. Their performance will offer a fresh and modern take on the timeless essence of Bengali music, experimenting with interpretations that reflect the evolving contemporary context of cultural influences.

‘Present’-ing the Future / Recognizing the Past

A four-part immersion into historical and cultural themes in Debjani Banerjee’s Jalsaghar by Dr. Ranjana Thapalyal and guests.

The references in Jalsaghar are rich and varied, encompassing the classics of ancient Indian literature, their presence in pop culture, and the politics of migration rooted in Britain’s colonial history. This series of workshops and talks delves into these subjects with the aim of critically contextualising them, exploring connections to contemporary questions about community, human relations, spirituality, and art’s role in reflecting on all of this. Book here.

CCA Annex

Debjani has curated a visual archive, as well as published a text In this world, my dear… on our digital platform CCA Annex. You can also find a playlist to accompany the exhibition, and a digital version of a newly commissioned text in response to the exhibition by Nat Raha.

Accessibility

You can find an audio description of the exhibition here.

Artist Bio

Debjani Banerjee is an Edinburgh-based artist whose diverse body of work spans various mediums, including sculpture, textiles, performance, dance, film, and participatory collaborative making. Her artistic practice challenges reductive dualisms often found in post-colonial narratives, such as the dichotomies of Indian versus Western, White versus Brown, and Male versus Female. By doing so, Banerjee's work aims to present more nuanced and playful representations of cultural plurality, contemporary South Asian womanhood, and the broader human experience.

Banerjee's interests are not limited to her own creations; she is deeply engaged in workshops, participatory practices, and archival research. These elements are integral to her approach, as they foster community involvement and deeper explorations into historical and cultural contexts. Her work often involves collaboration, inviting participants to contribute to the artistic process, thereby enriching the dialogue around identity, culture, and belonging.