Chindia: Stories from the Artists

'Chindia' consists of a visual art exhibition, a short film event and stories from the artists who explore issues of cultural and national identity, politics, displacement and diaspora memories and connections. ‘Chindia’ unpacks the multiplicity of identities in migrant communities, and champions the practice of the arts as a socially innovative tool to increase community engagement and participation in creating an inclusive, culturally rich, diverse and vibrant society.

As part of the 'Chindia' exhibition, ‘Chindia: Stories from the Artists’ feature six artists, Anindita Banerjee, Anurendra Jegadeva, Guo Jian, Lilian Lai, Lucy Wang (Ru Xi) and TextaQueen sharing their family stories, inspirations and motivations. ‘Chindia: Stories from the Diaspora’ will screen short films that reveal a snapshot of the lived experiences of the diaspora communities.

China and India are two of the most populous countries in the world. With histories which date back thousands of years, the Chinese and Indian peoples have a long history of overseas migration, maintenance of cultural identity, and socio-cultural exchange with local cultures. Today, both countries have a large diaspora population around the world including in Australia.

‘Chindia’ unpacks the multiplicity of migrant identities in Australia looking at the perspectives of those with Chinese and Indian heritage as a starting point. Both these nations have a particular history of cultural intermingling as well as conflict that has shaped these migration experiences. In advocating the principles of peaceful co-existence, what can we learn from these cross-cultural connections and the implications for past, present and future engagement with First Nations and other South and East Asian peoples?

The inclusion of diverse artists is not just an acknowledgement of and visibility for those communities, but an opportunity for them to meet and engage further with each other and others.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which this exhibition has been curated and produced. As more migrant communities settle in Australia, we want to ensure that we pay our respect to Elders, past and present and remain committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people.

Chindia Exhibition (Free)
15 - 26 February 2018
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm / Sunday: Closed
Venue: Gaffa Gallery, Gallery 1, 281 Clarence St Sydney

Chindia: Stories from the Artists ($15)
Saturday, 17 February 2018
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Venue: 107, 107 Redfern St, Redfern

Chindia: Short Films from the Diaspora ($10)
Monday, 19 February 2018
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: UTS Library Haymarket, Level 2, Ultimo Rd & Quay St
(All proceeds from this screenings will be given to the filmmakers)
Tickets here.

For UTS Staff & Students
For bookings or enquiries on the Short Film event, please email Priya Burgess, Equity & Diversity Project Officer at UTS on Priya.Burgess@uts.edu.au or phone (02) 9514 1093.

As seating is limited, pre-booking is essential for 'Chindia: Stories from the Artists' and 'Chindia: Short Films from the Diaspora' as payment will NOT be accepted at the door.

If you have any access requirements for any of the events, please email kevin@carnivalofthebold.com or call 0404 962992 to discuss your requirements.

(Image: Anurendra Jegadeva, The Red Wedding I & II, Acrylic on printed canvas. 83.5 cm x 179 cm (Diptych), 2015)