• Everything will be remembered: a palimpsest

Author:
  • Kashi, Ravi Kumar, 1968-
Publisher:
  • [Bangalore, India? : Ravi Kumar Kashi, 2020]
Extent:
  • 12 copper plates : etchings ; 12.3 x 31 x .4 cm [each plate]
Format:
Abstract:
  • Artists' book comprised of etched copper plates printed with ink; copper wire.
Description:
  • Artist's statement: In the light of anti-CAA protests and Delhi riots, I wanted to create a copper plate palimpsest for my time, so that the erasure of our constitutional values will not be forgotten. There are two layers of text in the work. In the partially erased layer seen beneath, is the preamble to the Indian Constitution, declaring its claim to secure justice, liberty, and equality to all citizens, and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. That layer is being eroded, and replaced with textual details of Delhi riots, narrating the incidents of murder and rampage. There are Slogans of violence like “We will enter the house and beat you up” or “Shoot the traitors”. The type face of the second layer of the text is an English font called Samarkan, designed to look like a Sanskrit text, and is intended to act as a visual marker for the Indian right-wing practice of quoting ancient texts to gain validation. It is also a simulation of ancient handwritten palm leaf text manuals from India. The title for the work ‘Everything will be remembered’ comes from the title of the poem written by anti-CAA activist Aamir Azis, lines of which were also recently recited by a member of the band Pink Floyd.
Subject:
Edm rights:
  • Copyright Not Evaluated
View in catalog:
Curator's notes:

  • Ravikumar Kashi (1968–)

    English
    Bengaluru, 2020, copper plates

    This artist’s book was crafted in response to protests opposing India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019. The first layer contains the preamble to the Indian Constitution, meant to secure justice, liberty, and equality to all citizens. Overlaying this are narratives of violence against protesters. The CAA offered religious minorities from some South Asian countries a path to citizenship in India, but notably excluded Muslims. The use of copper plates here connote unwavering strength.

    Graphic Arts, Alma-8897q

    For further reading

    Kashi, Ravikumar. Ravikumar Kashi. Accessed May 20, 2025. https://www.ravikashi.com/

    ‘Everything will be remembered' a palimpsest, by Ravikumar Kashi

    2:31
    No sound

    In this video, this modern artist’s book (shown later in this exhibition), is leaved through plate by plate, allowing a fuller comprehension of the work. For the background, see the corresponding label for item 63.

    Originally produced by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Used here with permission.

Exhibit category: