Zariyein I (Nov-Dec 2006) in Khirki, New Delhi used multiple perspectives through photographs to create a layered narrative of personal and local histories that enabled a re-viewing of the space and its existence within the metropolis.
It began by inviting people to record their own impressions of Khirki using photographs.
These photographs were then circulated amongst other residents. People looked at photographs, identified familiar faces and landmarks, told stories, laughed and asked questions. Conversations were not restricted to simply what each photograph depicted; rather each image became a point of engagement to discuss something more than what it portrayed. Gradually, through this process, photographs became images of Khirki imbued with distinct sets of meanings.
Zariyein in Khirki culminated with a four wall installation using images, texts and sound.
The first wall had images taken by the residents as well as us – the facilitators. The second and third wall had select sets of images chosen by other people in Khirki from the original pool of photographs. Extracts from conversations with people were used as texts over the two walls. Audio recordings of the photographers (why they captured a particular image and what it conveyed) and other residents’ reasons behind choosing certain images were played alongside the first and the third wall. The fourth wall was left blank for people to use photographs, write comments, create and express their own visual impressions or experience of life in Khirki. This installation was set up in a public place in Khirki.
Zariyein I was a collaboration between Frame Works and Aastha Chauhan, Khoj Studios