iStandWithFarmers

“Farmers//
Heldi//Masala/Cha//Anar//Sabzi//Dhal//Fal//Tharka//Atta//Danne//

There’s a lot going on. There’s been a lot going on this year. Still. The last few days and past week I’ve felt helpless about the situation in Panjab. I think many of us have. I just wanted to do something. Anything. For me it’s creating, for my sisters it’s writing, for my brothers it’s researching, for some it’s reposting, reflecting and sharing. Through this helplessness, there was immense doubt throughout, constantly questioning myself if it was hopeful enough, inspirational enough, original enough, purposeful enough, impactful enough, like-able enough, share-able enough, repost-able enough, was it even enough? Once I started, a lot of the voices faded. Playing, experimenting with the food, the scents of the spices, the oil stains from the seeds, textures of the dhal, turmeric stained fingers; it is the energy we put into it. In the end I’m not sure what this might achieve. I simply wanted to give energy to the cause. Perhaps it was my prayer. While this isn’t only a problem in Panjab, my roots are there. I see the farmers protesting with a sunlit smile on their faces and I think of my grandfather, who would’ve likely been there too. I see the tough maajis holding flags and taking charge, I see my grandmother in them.

While giving energy to the cause I’d like to share it too. If you would like high resolution digital downloads of these images (in 3 different word options) for your posters or sharing or even personal keepsake, send me a DM. These are by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Farmers or a charity of your choice.

Thank you 🌿🌙 Series inspired by @nutrikaur.”

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Since I posted this in December 2020, the artwork gained worldwide attention, receiving more than 7000 likes and countless repostings from well known artists, people in politics, friends and fellow instagrammers.

It was also my first time attempting ArtForCause: to use Art as a form of activism to gain donations that would feed directly into the cause through supplies and other functional needs. Collectively, over RM25,000 (then USD $6000) was raised. Donations were shared through Khalsa Aid India and @roundearthsquarepictures, a photographer on ground at the site providing supplies and other needs for our fellow protestors. Photos are used with his permission.

For more information about the protest and donations, please visit https://www.sedunia.me/campaigns/istandwithfarmers-1/about .

activism
art for cause