ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
AAWAA, ARTogether, Discostan, and Oakland Asian Cultural Center co-presents Dalit Dreamlands: Towards an Anti-Caste Future - a landmark multimedia Dalit art exhibition and dance party that will bring together over 30 multiply marginalized artists from Dalit*, Adivasi*, Bahujan*, Afro-Indian, Indo-Fijiian, Indo-Caribbean, and Muslim communities to showcase the depths of creativity and community. Dalit Dreamlands, curated by Manu Kaur (they/them) and supported through AAWAA’s Emerging Curator’s Program, will center queer and trans caste abolitionist futurisms through art across various mediums, including fashion design, music, performances, films, paintings and visuals.
One of the headlining artists, Malvika Raj, is a Dalit artist who challenges the casteist restrictions present in the Madhubani style of painting, by incorporating pro-Dalit assertions into her intricate and hypnotizing designs. Nazrina Rodjan is a queer Indo-Surinamese artist who integrates the history of indentured labor and femme resilience within her large paintings of indentured Indian women.
London-based trans Dalit artist Mya Mehmi from Pxssy Palace will be one of four guest DJs and performers at the opening reception dance party in collaboration with Discostan’s Arshia Fatima Haq. Dalit Dreamlands is a historic event that marks one of the first queer Dalit-centered spaces to exist in California.
*Dalit is a caste marker for caste-oppressed communities formerly known as Untouchables, Adivasi refers to tribes who are indigenous to South Asia, and Bahujan is an umbrella term that includes all caste-oppressed communities.
Visit Both Dalit Dreamlands Galleries!
This is a multi-venue exhibition. Make sure to visit both Oakland Asian Cultural Center & ARTogether to see all the artwork.
COVID-19 POLICY
We require that attendees wear masks inside the exhibiting gallery spaces and when indoors at the dance party (unless eating or drinking). If you are feeling unwell, we also ask that you please stay home for the safety of our immunocompromised community members.
OPENING RECEPTIONS
April 6
OACC @ 5:30-7:30PM
ARTogether @ 6-8PM
FREE & Open to the Public
ZINDAGI DANCE PARTY
April 6 @ 8PM-1AM
7th West
1255 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607
(More info below)
EXHIBITION DATES
April 6 - May 16 @ ARTogether
Gallery Hours: Tuesdays @ 10AM-6PM, Fridays @ 12-5PM + By Appointment
April 6 - June 9 @OACC
Gallery Hours: Wednesdays-Saturdays @ 12-5PM
EXHIBITION VENUES
Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC)
388 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607
ARTogether
1200 Harrison St, Oakland, CA 94612
Co-presented by
AAWAA as part of the Emerging Curators Program
ARTogether, Discostan, Oakland Asian Cultural Center
FUNDED & Supported by
This exhibition is part of AAWAA’s Emerging Curators Program
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Rinku Kumari
Jessie Sohpaul
Shivam Kamble
Nazrina Rodjan
Manpreet Singh
Malvika Raj
Seema Mattu
Mya Mehmi
Seema Hari
Shyama Kuver
Akhil Kang
Kaushik Tadvi
Rahee Punyashloka
Aravind Chedayan
Ajay Madhukar Dhoke
Shweta Ashokraj
Kamna Singh
Anika Nawar Ullah
Aindriya Barua
Ramnath Siddi
Siddi Tribe of Karnataka
Nrithya Pillai
Dalit Queer Project
Parth Pawar
Imaan Abbasi
Sri Vamsi Matta
R V Purusothaman (Purushu Arie)
Shradha Raj
Jay Sagathia
Dee Chawla
Mia Kaur
Kunu Bodhi
Rohini bhadarge
John Spencer
Kulpreet Rana
Simrah Farrukh
CURATOR
CLICK THROUGH EACH IMAGE TO SEE THEIR BIO
Exhibition Catalog
For inquiries to purchase listed artworks for sale, please contact us at exhibitions@aawaa.net
DALIT DREAMLANDS: ZINDAGI DANCE PARTY
APRIL 6 @ 8PM-1AM
7TH WEST OAKLAND
TICKETS: $10-$20
$10 suggested for Caste-oppressed, Black, and Indigenous folks.
$20 suggested for Caste-priviledged and others.
No one turned away for lack of funds!
ABOUT THE DANCE PARTY
After the art opening receptions, we invite you to join us for a special Zindagi Dance Party to celebrate more Dalit artists! Featuring DJ sets, performances, flash tattoo, mehndi, art, 360 camera portraits, and more! Food and drink available for purchase by 7th West. Proceeds will benefit Dalit Dreamlands artists. Ages 21+
FEATURED DALIT BAHUJAN DJS
DJ Anjali, DJ Arshia, DJ Mya Mehmi, DJ Seema Hari
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY
No Dalit Liberation without Palestinian Liberation
Dalit Dreamlands stands in solidarity with the liberation of Palestine. The organizers would like to acknowledge the incongruous discomfort experienced in organizing this art exhibition and dance party during the brutal genocide of the Palestinian people. Dalit liberation is deeply tied to Palestine and we feel a strong commitment to the people and land of Palestine. We dream of land returned to the Palestinian people, to the Indigenous people of Turtle Island, to the Dalit and Adivasi people of India, and an end to all occupations globally. We recognize that our liberations are interconnected and so is our joy. Any funds from these Palestine print sales will go towards supporting survivors of the Palestine genocide. Free Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. Jai Bhim!
EXHIBITION TEAM
Emerging Curators Program Mentor + Programs & Promotions
Melanie Elvena
Manu Kaur
Emerging Curators Program Mentor + Director
Diana Li
Press Relations & Publicity
Stephanie Gancayco
Preparators
Cat Lauigan
Rachall Lee
Rich Lomibao
Exhibition Illustration & Graphic Designs
Parth Pawar
Melanie Elvena
Programs & Production
Phuan Khun
Special Thanks To
Staff, Board, & Volunteers of AAWAA
Paloma Concordia of PapaLoDown Agency
Emma Grover & Indra Mungal of Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Michelle Lin & Leva Zand of ARTogether
