Descending from the changing culture of my Koli (fishermen) community of Mumbai, adapted over time into the megapolis of Mumbai, The Armature, inspired by the performance of traditional non-representational form/mother Goddess deities called ’Sakhar chaut’, is decorated with references to the nimbu-mirchi (lemon-chillies) evil eye believed to be a ward against ill-will and misfortune in Indian subcontinent. This hybrid iconography offers a multi-layered approach to think about divisive ideologies, majoritarian and marginal cultural influences, and fading indigenous wisdom. Colours are a symbol of the so-called sacred pigments, an influence of materials on daily life.
Sakar Chaut’ is performed around September-October in the month of ’Pitru Paksha’ to protect and well-being children.