Multiple places, one moment

BENGAL meets regional Victoria in Anindita Banerjee’s photographic art.

Ondormohol, the latest exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, showcases the Indian-born Ballarat-based artist’s work as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Banerjee’s images explore her life experiences in two different parts of the world, growing up in Bengal, before living and practicing her art in Ballarat.

The Bengali word Ondormohol has been chosen as the showcase’s title, with the meaning of a home’s private spaces. It features “imaginings of a Bengali girl,” inspired by some historic Bengali embroidery Banerjee inherited.

“I would like to start a conversation about the fact that it it’s quite a universal experience to be in multiple places at the same time. My personal story is similar to many in Ballarat,” she said.

“Something over here, whether a landmark or smell can trigger a memory of being somewhere else, and that emotion of being in multiple places.

“I’m talking about quite universal emotions through a personal experience.”

Expressing feelings that cannot necessarily be conveyed through language, Banerjee’s art practice includes taking photos before completing “traditional ritualistic drawings” and editing them into the image as a new layer.

The moments have been captured in locations around Ballarat that are reminiscent of Kolkata. Banerjee is in some of the pieces, alongside her daughter and cousins, wearing the “idle rich” traditional Bengali dress of the early-20th century.

Art gallery director Louise Tegart said her organisation is committed to presenting the works and ideas of culturally distinct creators to the public.

“Australia’s multiculturalism is rich and diverse, and it is very exciting to see projects which bring alternative perspectives to the experience of living in Ballarat,” she said.

“Anindita Banerjee’s work is not only rich in imagery and visually engaging, it is grounded in her investigations and reflections on post-colonialism and the residues and backwash of the colonial era of the British empire.

“Her work is thoughtful, challenging, and a great addition to the program of this year’s Ballarat International Foto Biennale.”

Ondormohol opened on 14 August and will be on show for three months. Visit artgalleryofballarat.com.au for more information.