A Pyre of Poisonous Hares

Avleen K.

Clay, Hair, and Other

March 2024

Hares boast a captivating and intricate legacy across ancient cultures worldwide, often depicted as sly and mischievous tricksters. In this installation, we encounter ten antagonistic hare figures encircling a lifeless elderly, mournful woman. Notably, the hares' appearance pays homage to the primary antagonist of Operation Bluestar—manifested through applied wigs—adding layers of symbolism and historical resonance to the artwork. The uncanny repetition of these animals delves into the political narrative interwoven into this installation.

The piece speaks to the theme of loss through the woman's hunched and swollen body—a body submerged in the Amrit in the Sarowar for days after being shot by the Indian Army's June 1984 assault at Harmandir Sahib,would be unnaturally swollen, as is hers. She sits atop an orange Dastaar, mourning the loss of husbands, sons, and fathers—those who perished alongside her, were abducted, or never returned home. Her lack of autonomy over her own life due to socio-economic structures unfavorable to widows or fatherless daughters is reflected in the separation of her hands and feet from her body, a poignant expression of her struggle. Even amidst grief in her afterlife, she seeks to maintain respect by ensuring her feet never touch the turban—a significant symbol within Sikh tradition.

The complexities of Operation Bluestar extend well beyond the battlefield, underscoring the collaborative efforts required to orchestrate such a tragedy. This includes acts of deception and deceit not only during the operation itself but also in its aftermath. No conflict arises from isolated actions alone. The complicity of the ruling political party, the dissemination of propaganda by news channels, provocative speeches by influential figures, and the propagation of religious hegemony all played pivotal roles in igniting the flames that left countless lives in Mourning.

While it may be tempting to identify a single villain, it is imperative to acknowledge our shared responsibility in speaking out against such atrocities. This installation, with its nuanced undertones of humor, encourages introspection. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths: What injustices do we tacitly condone today? What atrocities do we overlook in pursuit of convenience or complacency? The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of history's lessons and emphasizes the importance of vigilance in preventing the recurrence of past injustices.