Shelly Jyoti, a highly respected artist celebrated for her thought-provoking work, is delighted to unveil her latest project, “INDIGO: THE BLUE GOLD,” which will be on display at the South Asia Institute (SAI) in Chicago from July 22 to December 16, 2023. This captivating exhibition delves into the colonial history of indigo and its profound impact on numerous nations.
The exhibition, curated by Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor at The Art School, DePaul University, serves as a mid-career retrospective of Shelly Jyoti’s artistic exploration. “INDIGO: THE BLUE GOLD” examines indigo’s multifaceted dimensions, shedding light on its role in global trade, forced labour, slavery, indentured labour, migration, and colonization during India’s colonial history. Jyoti’s exhibition features over forty new artworks, alongside a selection of her previous installations, poetry, drawings, fashion, and textiles from the past decade. The diverse collection showcases her renowned “Indigo Narratives” series, which has captivated audiences across the United States and India from 2009 to 2018. Shelly Jyoti commented on her work, “Through my art, I aim to delve into the colonial history of indigo and shed light on its impact on several nations. I depict the forced cultivation, exploitative traditions, and indentured servitude that emerged from this single plant – indigo.” Curator Laura Kina stated, “Shelly Jyoti’s collaboration with ajrakh artisans in Bhuj, Gujarat, adds a unique layer to her work, preserving ancient textile traditions while exploring contemporary issues.”
“INDIGO: THE BLUE GOLD” presents an immersive visual and intellectual journey into the captivating world of indigo dyeing. Shelly Jyoti’s intricate artworks serve as powerful tools for storytelling, encouraging dialogue and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared cultural heritage.