We are very excited, almost giddy with glee, to present Jasjyot Singh Hans's debut solo exhibition in India, Sit Properly.
“I often wonder whether Indian men are born with loose bladders or is it one of the many privileges they have assumed for themselves.
When do we see women using parks, walls and lanes as their personal toilet?
Almost never.
Because 'holding back' is the standard instruction for the Indian women.
Hold your tongue... girls are supposed to be soft spoken.
Hold your appetite... you're supposed to be thin.
Hold your words... nobody likes outspoken women.
Hold your temper... not seemly.
Hold your libido... not at all seemly.
Well... so much holding back has had a wonderful salutary effect on our bladders
We are able to hold our water much better.” ~ Jasleen 'Reema' Hans
Jasjyot’s practice has explored the ideas of gendered norms of ‘good behaviour’ (what artist Priyesh T. would call ‘Adarsh Balak’), and body language. Women are often told to ‘sit properly’, eat little, talk less, and make efforts to not call attention to themselves, be subservient, un-salient beings. This policing extends to femme, queer bodies as well. This show is a प्रतिष्ठा to critique this practice/प्रथा/ परमपारा/अनुशासन .
We are also debuting an exhibition format created by our curator Priyanshi S. This will be a dynamic show, with graded pricing. What this means is half the show will be made at the gallery, with Jasjyot drawing at the gallery on certain days, and one can come, and see the artist making the art. The schedule for this will be released shortly.
Also, the works will be priced differently before, during, and after completion. One can buy a work for a lessened price, if they trust Jasjyot's practice.
We look forward to the artist being present at the gallery.