Tribute to a Maestro: Dayanita Singh Celebrates Zakir Hussain
In the world of art and music, personal connections often shape the creative journey. Dayanita Singh, a prominent photo artist recognized for her evocative imagery, often highlights her relationship with the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Their bond began during Singh’s formative years at the National Institute of Design, where she first encountered Hussain. This pivotal moment marked the inception of a lifelong collaboration that profoundly influenced Singh’s artistic development.
During the 1980s, Singh traveled alongside Hussain and his contemporaries, capturing the essence of their musical journey. This intimate access culminated in her graduation project—a book that showcased her photographs of Hussain. Over the years, she has immortalized him through her lens innumerable times, intertwining his legacy with her own artistic narrative. Now, following Hussain’s passing in December 2024, Singh is set to honor his memory with a tribute exhibition titled “Zakir Hussain Maquette” at the Serendipity Arts Festival Mini Edition in Birmingham.
Celebrating Creativity: The Serendipity Arts Festival
The Serendipity Arts Festival, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, has expanded its global reach, including this Mini Edition in Birmingham, running until May 26. Smriti Rajgarhia, Director of the Serendipity Arts Foundation, expresses a vision of evolution, reflecting on a decade of building one of South Asia’s largest multidisciplinary arts festivals. “This edition is a moment to celebrate, but also an opportunity to evolve,” she states.
The festival is poised to travel to ten cities across different countries, with Birmingham and Dubai identified as key locations. Rajgarhia notes that Birmingham, rich in artistic legacy and home to a significant South Asian diaspora, provides a fertile ground for cultural exchange. The upcoming Dubai edition is equally significant, coinciding with the flourishing art scene in the UAE.
Engaging the Local Community
Held at Birmingham City University, the festival involves students actively participating in various workshops and engaging with renowned curators and artists. One of the heart-stirring highlights of the festival is “Thumri in the Chamber,” focusing on the semi-classical Hindustani vocal form. This exquisite art form, characterized by its poetic storytelling and depth of emotion, will resonate with attendees, offering them a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian classical music.
Additionally, the festival’s musical offerings will be diverse, featuring Portuguese-Goan music led by Zubin Balaporia and Nadia Rebelo, alongside ghazals and Bollywood classics performed by Priyanka Barve and Sarang Kulkarni. Attendees can also look forward to a documentary by Sumantra Ghosal, chronicling Zakir Hussain’s illustrious musical journey, and a curated selection of films showcasing Indian music, presented by Dharmesh Rajput.
A Context-Driven Curation
The festival promises to be a sensory delight, with one of its highlighted displays being ‘Eternal Echoes,’ an exhibition featuring archival images of Indian musical instruments from Sunil Kant Munjal’s collection. Curated by Helen Acharya, this display highlights the craftsmanship and enduring cultural legacy of Indian music.
Rajgarhia emphasizes that the curation process for Birmingham was meticulously crafted with the context in mind. The format is more concentrated than its flagship counterpart in Goa, yet it retains the essence of interdisciplinarity and experimentation. Each project is designed to resonate deeply with both local and diasporic audiences.
Shaping Regional Narratives
While the flagship festival in Goa will continue to be the centerpiece of this cultural initiative, select programming will extend to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai throughout the tenth anniversary year. Rajgarhia highlights the unique character of each city, shaping its artistic expression. Rather than offering a uniform experience across different locales, the festival aims for cultural resonance, adapting projects to reflect the diverse social and cultural landscapes of each region.
The Future of the Festival
As the festival continues to unfold, it embodies a spirit of growth, exploration, and inclusivity. With a focus on engaging communities through art, it provides a platform for dialogue and creativity, ensuring that the legacy of influential figures like Zakir Hussain remains alive and vibrant. Dayanita Singh’s tribute is not just an acknowledgment of Hussain’s artistry; it is a reminder of the eternal bond between music and visual art, a fusion that enriches the human experience.
