アビシェーク・ラジャラーム・ケーデカル

Abhishek Khedekar

In the photographic project titled "Tamasha," the artist delves into the realm of docu-fiction, capturing the intricate and challenging lives of Tamasha—a 100-person family collectively known as Lokkalawant. Residing as nomads across the state of Maharashtra in India, the project meticulously examines their everyday struggles, shedding light on the discriminatory and prejudicial treatment they endure. Within the community, Tamasha is often perceived merely as a source of entertainment, leading to the neglect of their fundamental needs.
The project unfolds a narrative that exposes the repetitive instances deeply embedded in society, instances to which individuals become accustomed. Hierarchies and discrimination, longstanding elements in society, serve as focal points for reflection through the lens of Tamasha. The artist embarked on numerous visits to the Tamasha family, immersing themselves in the lives of the subjects to document the pervasive issues observed in society.
Peering into the lives of others proved to be a challenging endeavor. The artist, in an attempt to authentically capture the essence of Tamasha, spent an extensive period—six months in 2016—traveling and residing with the Tamasha tribe. The initial intention focused on exploring a fading art form dating back to the 16th century in Maharashtra, evolved into a profound exploration of Tamasha as a performance. This performance serves as a symbolic representation of visual arts, conveying artistic expression revolving around the theme of discrimination. The artist's journey unfolds as a testament to their commitment to understanding and depicting the multifaceted layers of Tamasha's existence.