100 years ago, the seeds of peaceful resistance were sown by Gandhi in Tolstoy Farm, South Africa. An ongoing exhibition pays tribute to that utopian space Gandhi once created

In 1910, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi started Tolstoy Farm, near Lenasia in South Africa. In 1913, it was disbanded. But during those busy three years it served as Gandhi's laboratory for his experiments which changed the world's perception about -- among other things -- caste, labour, capital and independence.


Making of Mahatma Gandhi migratory birds by KP Reji

Tolstoy Farm- Archive of Utopia, an exhibition at the Lalit Kala Academy, brings together the works of 17 artists who attempt to evoke thoughts on the concept of Utopia. "There is an entire younger generation seeking direction, grossly divided amongst what currently anchors them and what lures them," says Aparajita Jain, Director of Seven Art Limited Gallery, who is behind the project. "This exhibition attempts to evoke thought amongst the artists and artisans to reflect on the concept of Utopia. And eventually evoke thoughts in those who see them," she adds.

Experiments you can do
Today the piece of land donated by Gandhi's close associate and friend architect Herman Kallenback, where thousands of South African Indians were relocated during the Apartheid era, stands in shambles, vandalised and swallowed by a brick company. The fun part of enjoying the exhibition comes when one juxtaposes the state of the farm today with some of the works.
Like Arpita's Singh's work Killing a Memory in which a young boy aims his slingshot at many images of Gandhi. "Since my works are open to interpretations may be you can connect the present generation's apathy and inscrutable emptiness in my work and the farm's present state," says Arpita. And what makes the experience interesting is that there are 16 more artists whose works can be feasted upon and the flavour can be interpreted according to your own personal concept of 'Tolstoy Farm'.