“Utopian Dystopia” at Bikaner House, New Delhi is a unique exhibition; it’s a journey into the domain of imagination, technology, and quantum exploration led by Jayesh Sachdev. Exhibition Advisor Shahzada Khurram, who is recognised for his promotion of art that balances tradition with innovation, has played a crucial role in overseeing this exhibition. Notably, Khurram has previously led initiatives such as the establishment of the Partition Museum in Delhi. He has also headed Bikaner House and guided the transformation of the Sanskriti Museum.
Jayesh, who is an artist, designer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur is also the founder and creative director of Quirk Box, a multi-award-winning wearable art label and design agency. Upon entering this dynamic space, visitors find themselves transported to a universe where reality merges seamlessly with illusion, where the very atoms seem to sway to the rhythm of universal energy. The fascinating show goes over standard norms of watching artwork as a static object to take viewers on a journey through creativity, technology, and art.
Sachdev’s fusion of art and technology through augmented reality is truly groundbreaking. By leveraging Adobe Aero, he breathes life into static paintings, blurring the boundaries between the physical and virtual. With AR, viewers are treated to dynamic experiences where they can witness Sachdev’s creations evolve before their eyes. This innovative approach not only enhances traditional art viewing but also allows for personalised exploration through varying levels of animation and interactive elements. Unlike virtual reality, AR seamlessly integrates digital content into the real world, adding layers of depth and meaning to the artwork. What’s even more impressive is that AR requires minimal specialised hardware, making it accessible to both creators and audiences alike.
The title “Utopian Dystopia” suggests a juxtaposition of two contrasting concepts: utopia and dystopia. “Utopia” typically refers to an idealised or perfect society, often depicted as a place where everything is harmonious and ideal. On the other hand, “dystopia” refers to a society characterised by misery, oppression, and often, a totalitarian regime.
Sachdev’s investigation of quantum mechanics, a field in which realities coexist and possibilities are endless, is at the core of “Utopian Dystopia”. He asks us to embrace alternate futures and to briefly enter worlds beyond our knowledge through his work. It’s an adventure into the fantastical world of quantum particles, where creativity is unrestricted and uncertainty is king. Sachdev’s creative genius is evident in his visual language. Vibrant hues clash with geometric forms, and pop culture and Indian heritage combine to create a fascinating surrealistic combination. From Mughal emperors romancing with candies to horses donning Persian attire and Nike sneakers, each painting is a whimsical narrative waiting to be unravelled. One cannot help but be drawn into Sachdev’s world, where gods and goddesses mingle with planets and stars, fading the boundaries between myth and reality.
By combining ‘Utopia’ and ‘Dystopia’, the exhibition’s title hints at a complex exploration of the interplay between idealised visions of the future and the potential pitfalls or darker aspects that may accompany them. It implies that within the domain of imagination, technology, and quantum exploration depicted in the exhibition, there exists a blend of both utopian and dystopian elements. The title suggests that Jayesh Sachdev’s artistic exploration investigates the tension between these contrasting visions, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of the future and the possibilities that lie therein.
In “Utopian Dystopia,” Jayesh Sachdev shows himself to be a storyteller as well as an artist, an artist who works outside the boundaries of conventional creative genres. By means of his inventive application of technology and his deep comprehension of quantum mechanics, he urges us to reconsider our conception of reality and to welcome the boundless opportunities that exist beyond. We are reminded as the show takes shape in front of us that art can take us to new places, arouse our senses, and spark our imaginations.
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Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
