Debjani Banerjee's exhibition Jalsaghar is an intricate exploration of identity, culture, and heritage. The title, which translates from Bengali as "The Music Room", hints at a space of collaboration and cultural expression. Banerjee's works delve into the multifaceted nature of her British Bengali identity, 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.
The title, Jalsaghar draws a thread from Satyajit Ray’s 1958 film of the same name, reinterpreting its atmosphere of listening, loss, and cultural transition through a contemporary, diasporic lens. It evokes a space of listening, intimacy and gathering, which underpins both the conceptual and material approach of the exhibition.
Sculptures, textiles and audio installations blend traditional Indian craft techniques with contemporary art aesthetics, reflecting the duality of Banerjee’s heritage. She draws inspiration from various sources, including family conversations, Indian pop culture, Hindu iconography, and sacred rituals. These elements are woven into her art, creating pieces that are both deeply personal and culturally specific while speaking more widely to the human condition.
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. In Jalsaghar, Debjani Banerjee has embraced her interest in 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.
Originally commissioned by CCA Glasgow and supported by KARST, Jalsaghar will subsequently travel to Mimosa House.
