CONTEXT:
This project was among the selected 18 works across various forms of creativity like performing arts, drama, design, fine art, automotive design, film -making etc, which were submitted to be a part of the prestigious display at The British Museum of Natural and Human History, Horniman Gardens, South London.
The exhibit was aimed at responding to the collections of the museum with context to decolonization. The idea was to revoke conversations about the colonial history of Britain and make viewers reflect upon the museum collections obtained in the colonial rule, the history of which has been euphemized to suit a 'toned down version of the truth' of the colonial experience.
EXECUTION:
Decolonization is not just removing colonizers from a place. The entire cycle of colonization began with a greed for resources. What is exhausted once cannot be replenished. The economies once left in tatters cannot be redeemed just be 'decolonization'. The colonizers left different nations in the same state- panic. The story of the colonial experience of panic was conjured through speculative currency design which became heavier and pricklier to handle as the denominations reduced.
Develpoment of semiotics:
The Emblem:
Application of semiotics:
Digital prototypes of the scale:
3D Printed prototypes:
The actual casts of the notes were made from zinc to add weight and detail to each note. The designs were etched into the metal with acid. The casts of the coins were made of Silver Pewter- an alloy of silver to add weight and sharpness to the casts.
Describe your image
SPATIAL EXPERIENCE:
The narrative moved through the journey of a daily savings box of a colonized household across a timeline. As the box became empty, the currency took the form of basic needs like bread and butter. It aimed to have a compelling visual effect with the large film loop accompanied by a listening experience in which a range of critical voices from newsreel footages were brought forward. The currency was also stuck onto a metal globe of slave trade situated right next to the installation.
The narrative of the installation:
