Pride Month: Why queer artist liactuallee explores alternate worlds with crochet and embroidery

With 'Soft Invasions, stitch-punk visions', Mumbai-based artist liactuallee wants viewers to question their reaction to the queer invasion to understand what is the kind of emotion it evokes in them. Does the newest exhibition of artworks by them, which coincides with Pride Month, make people think of it with excitement, fear or wonderment?

The new exhibition comes after 'Garden of Dystopian Beauties' series in 2021, followed by 'The Transience of Space' series in 2022. A common theme among them has been utopia. However, liactuallee does more with this.

These artworks, which are on display at the Method art gallery in Bandra, are unlike previous works by the artist in more ways than one. It not only marks their entry into soft sculpture but also with the use of colour. It is because the creations are everything with a pop of different colours that are so vibrant, they are bound to catch your eye. Interestingly, they are not on a whim but a well thought out intention and purpose to intrigue the viewer.

Mid-day Online to spoke to liactuallee to understand more about their latest sculptures. The visual artist, who is also a yoga instructor, shares why they used crochet and embroidery, and how the artworks aim to challenge the binary ways of thinking and role of colour to depict different emotions. They also dwell into the role of art in representing the marginalised LGBTQIA+ community and India's acceptance of the community.

Here are the edited excerpts:

What inspired you to create 'Soft Invasions, Stitch-punk Visions'?

The inspiration behind 'Soft Invasions, Stitch-punk Visions' stems from my exploration of alternative worlds and the need to create spaces that can encompass complex identities. I have long resonated with Octavia E. Butler's xenobiologies and her ability to imagine diverse and regenerative life forms. The exhibition showcases colorful organisms that disrupt borders and adapt to survive in the toxic environments created by human activity. It invites viewers to question their reaction to this queer invasion and contemplate whether it evokes excitement, fear or wonder.

How is it different from all your other works till now?

My previous work the Garden of Dystopian Beauties series (2021) posited alternate worlds in which to mend relationships with the land. The Transience of Space series (2022), created during the Space Studio Summer residency 2022, explored our lack of collective consciousness and care through depictions of statues hovering over public spaces. While I continue to explore themes of utopia, the use of soft sculpture as a medium mark a departure, allowing me to create three-dimensional sculptures that bring a new level of tactility and presence to my artwork.

Why did you decide to use crochet and embroidery as the medium for your sculptures? What are the other mediums you generally use?

Crochet and embroidery hold personal significance for me. I absorbed these textile art forms during my childhood in Poland and India and they resurfaced as powerful tools of expression in my recent works. Crochet and embroidery enable me to shape and adapt my sculptures while incorporating repetitive stitches that cultivate a sense of calm and comfort. The fluidity of the stitch echoes that of the body, symbolising emergence and resilience. Previously, I mostly worked in painting and drawing, always dabbling in interdisciplinary practices, including new media.

How does your exhibition 'Soft Invasions, stitch-punk visions'represent the LGBTQIA+ community?

My tender profanities are inherently queer, there's no question about it. They reflect my own identity as a queer transient being and offer a perspective that resonates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. By challenging binary ways of thinking, my work invites viewers to envision queerer, softer and stranger futures.

The sculptures are really colourful and one catch the eye. What was the idea behind using these colours?

The use of vibrant colours in my sculptures serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it contrasts with the monochrome world depicted in the initial embroidery works, symbolising the arrival of these regenerative life forms. Secondly, the colorful palette evokes a sense of joy, celebration and vitality, standing in defiance of the bleakness.

What do you think is the role of art in representing the marginalised LGBTQIA+ community and other communities in India?

Art and representation are powerful tools that enable us to envision and explore alternate ways of thinking, reflecting our experiences and allowing us to imagine more utopian possibilities that go beyond the limitations of our current existence.

Do you believe India is progressing, if not at the judicial level, at the community level in becoming more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Progress in the queer community in India is evident. Thanks to the efforts of individuals, organisations and grassroots movements. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent queer and diverse nature of our subcontinent and work towards creating a society that allows all beings to live freely and thrive by implementing inclusive laws, challenging norms and dismantling existing power structures.

What is the inspiration behind your name? How are you celebrating Pride Month?

The name "liactuallee" encapsulates my journey of self-discovery, questioning assumptions and embracing fluidity. The deliberate absence of capitalisation in my name is a practice in subtlety.

As for Pride Month, I am celebrating it by actively engaging with the queer community through art, events, discussions and supporting queer initiatives.

The Covid-19 pandemic was difficult for many people. How was it for you? Was there any particular challenge being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Personally, the pandemic provided me with a unique opportunity for reflection and growth. While acknowledging the pain and fear it caused, I found the space and time to delve into my identity, challenge societal constructs and envision new ways of working alternative futures.

Did the Covid-19 pandemic period influence your art in any way?

The Covid-19 pandemic fuelled a sense of urgency in creating art that inspires hope, resilience and empathy. The slowed-down pace of life allowed me to appreciate the world around me, with breathable air, walkable streets and flourishing life.

Many people were exhibiting online during the Covid-19 pandemic because physical exhibitions weren't possible. Which one do you prefer and why?

Both physical and online exhibitions have their unique merits and challenges. I appreciate the accessibility and reach of online exhibitions while valuing the immersive and communal experience of physical exhibitions and touch.

What are you currently working on and will it also be focused on the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community?

As the exhibition draws to a close on June 25, I am currently busy organising small events and happenings around it. Looking ahead, I am thrilled to embark on new creative endeavours that push the boundaries of fiber art, collaborate with fellow artists and showcase my work to diverse audiences across the globe. Let us keep our imaginations alive and create art that inspires positive change, celebrating the unique beauty that lies within our collective destinies.

Where: Method Bandra
When: Ongoing till June 25
Time: 8 am - 10 pm
Entry: Free