Art to inspire change

An illustration of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar

Titled Ambedkar Aspiration, Gautam's illustration is an interpretation of Chaandnyachi Chhaya by noted Marathi poet Vaman Kardak; Gautam's father was an avid reader and had a vast collection of Dalit literature. The artist grew up around the works of Dr BR Ambedkar and Savitribai Phule, which his father encouraged him to explore

Although caste in India remains a tool to create divide, a few artists have strived to create a space for their voices, whilst also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Delhi-based graphic designer and artist Siddhesh Gautam, is one of them. Gautam, through his Instagram (IG) presence @bakeryprasad, shares his visual interpretation of various pieces of literature by Dalit artists, writers, scholars or other eminent figures from the community such as Savitribai Phule and Dr BR Ambedkar.

Siddhesh Gautam

"After my masters in 2018, I started a design studio in Pune, where I got involved in many workshops that revolved around the Dalit movement. This inspired me and within two years, I, too, became regularly involved in it. I moved to Delhi soon after which I shifted from commercial design to full-time art activism," the 29-year-old shares.

Gautam's illustrations have a mix of post-modern, Renaissance and minimalist influences; during a six-month student exchange programme in Italy in 2016, he drew inspiration from the Renaissance period. "My colour palette and many composition elements are inspired by that period. I've tried to incorporate minimalistic details and avoid using elements like shadows, even though I'm trained to do so. Through the visual aspect, even if people are not reading the text below the post, they can still get the gist of what I'm trying to present," he adds.

The process begins from a design-oriented approach which involves rigorous research through reading literature, poetry and other resources. "I browse through a lot of photographs from archives and also try to reach out to people who hail from the families of these personalities, or knew them in some way, as it helps to offer more personal insight," he adds. Like all kinds or art that push boundaries, the response has been mixed. Gautam says, "I do get a lot of criticism and slurs thrown at me. But the love I get from my community and allies, is what drives me to make my art every day. I never thought of earning money out of it, although I did create a Buy Me a Coffee account very recently, I've been largely doing this out of passion."

Log on to: @bakeryprasad on IG

Also check out
>> Rahee Punyashloka: Dalit artist and writer who creates unique and minimal art inspired by Dr Ambedkar.
Log on to: @artedkar on Instagram

>> Rajyashri Goody: Pune-based artist who through mediums such as ceramics, photography and sculpture art, among others, attempts to capture instances of struggle and resistance within Dalit communities
Log on to: rajyashrigoody.com

>> Sudheer Rajbhar: Artist, activist and creator of Chamar Studio that brings together artisans from the community making items out of leather to promote equality through design, craft and contemporary art.
Log on to: chamar.in