Kalyani Pramod’s ‘The Last Glimpse’ Exhibition in Chennai Highlights Environmental Urgency Through Art

Kalyani Pramod’s upcoming exhibition, ‘The Last Glimpse,’ at Alliance Française of Madras aims to raise awareness about endangered species through innovative art created from discarded materials.

CHENNAI, India — Kalyani Pramod, a notable fibre artist from Chennai, is preparing to launch her solo exhibition titled ‘The Last Glimpse’ on July 18 at the Alliance Française of Madras. This exhibition will showcase 73 mixed-media artworks that creatively utilize discarded materials to address the urgent plight of endangered species worldwide and the environmental challenges threatening their survival.

Pramod’s artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that art can serve as a powerful medium for raising awareness about pressing issues rather than merely a tool for protest. “I don’t believe in protest marches alone,” she explains. “Art is a great medium for creating awareness. It can tell people, subtly, that these are the areas of concern.” This sentiment is profoundly reflected in her latest collection, which employs various techniques such as crochet, weaving, embroidery, punch needle work, and sculpture to represent diverse wildlife facing extinction.

Art Inspired by Endangered Species

Among the highlighted pieces in ‘The Last Glimpse’ are representations of the Red Panda, a small mammal indigenous to the eastern Himalayas, and the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which suffers from a rapidly declining population. These pieces serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, crafted from an array of discarded materials that include textile scraps, metal wires, construction waste, newspapers, and other found objects, all of which underline Pramod’s commitment to environmental consciousness.

Reflecting on her previous work, Pramod shared, “When I was working on the climate change exhibit, I realized there were so many species getting endangered because of deforestation, forest fires, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Everything connected back to the human being.” This insight has compelled her to engage in comprehensive research, predominantly relying on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which assesses the conservation status and extinction risk of various species. She noted with concern that since she began her research, the number of endangered species has almost doubled.

Hope Through Conservation

While the exhibition starkly underscores the dire circumstances many species face, it also conveys a hopeful message. Pramod points to successful conservation efforts that have led to positive outcomes for certain species, such as the ibis and blackbuck, which have shown signs of recovery due to sustained intervention. “In this exhibition, I am trying to say that if we do act upon it, we can save some,” she emphasizes, framing her work as a call to action for viewers to acknowledge that biodiversity loss is a pressing issue requiring collective responsibility and effort.

One notable piece in the exhibition utilizes electrical wires to symbolize the tragic fate of the Great Indian Bustard, whose population has suffered due to fatal collisions with overhead power lines. Another artwork addresses the plight of the yellow-breasted bunting, whose numbers have drastically declined due to hunting pressures. By initially drawing in viewers with the beauty of these animals, Pramod encourages them to confront the harsh realities of their endangerment.

Engaging the Community

Pramod’s material choices also reflect a deeper commentary on consumerism and waste. “My biggest source is the kabadiwala,” she states, referring to scrap collectors in her community. She actively encourages her students to investigate waste in their surroundings, illustrating how much potential for artistic expression lies within discarded items. Her previous exhibition, ‘Bhoomi,’ similarly focused on climate change, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns through art.

In addition to showcasing her artworks, ‘The Last Glimpse’ will feature a month-long program at the Alliance Française, which includes wildlife film screenings, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops centered around conservation and sustainability. Events include a conversation with wildlife cinematographer Sara and photographer Jayanth Sharma, screenings of documentaries focused on sea turtle conservation, and workshops designed to create art from reclaimed materials. These initiatives aim to foster community engagement and education about the importance of biodiversity.

Exhibition Details

Running from July 18 to July 31, the exhibition will have free entry for all attendees. This initiative not only highlights Pramod’s dedication to environmental issues but also seeks to stimulate broader conversations about the significance of biodiversity and conservation within contemporary society.

Through her work, Kalyani Pramod aspires to inspire a new generation of artists and environmental advocates. “We have to protect and preserve. It is for our own good,” she asserts, reinforcing the notion that the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss is a shared responsibility that requires urgent action from all sectors of society.