03/07/2023
“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate the integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which people deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” ― Paulo Freire
Uruvam represents a humble endeavour to foster unity and engage individuals in the transformative acts of making, learning, sharing, and shaping the world around them. In Malayalam, 'Uruvam' serves as both a noun and a verb, but we have chosen to conceive it as a verb, emphasizing the process of formation. Through the Uruvam Community Art Project, we come together with a conscious intention to mould our surroundings for a better world.
At a time when Artificial Intelligence is being touted as a substitute for human intelligence and labour, Uruvam seeks to explore the intricate relationship between nature, people, technology, and society at large. We firmly believe that everything is created by society and for society, leading us to question the prevailing sense of ownership over these interventions. Our proposal is to embrace creation as a collective, collaborative, and creative process, integrating significant contributions from society as a whole. This understanding drives us to gather, learn, and grow collectively.
Throughout the one-year duration of the community art project, art and design serve as powerful tools for bringing people together and fostering an active space for learning and sharing. Uruvam is divided into three distinct phases: 'Kayyuruvam', 'Mannuruvam', and 'Kaniyuruvam'. In the initial two phases, we engage participants with diverse art and design tools, immersing them in the process of creation and learning. The final phase focuses on curating and exhibiting the collective experience, sharing it with a broader community. This exhibition aims to demonstrate the strengths of collectiveness, collaboration, and caring for others through building spaces for integrated learning. By actively collaborating with institutions such as Abhayan Smaraka Kendram, Ponkunnam Janakeeya Vayanasala, Local Kudumbashree Units and the Area Development Society (ADS) and the Community Development Society (CDS) which lead them and other local organizations, we strive to ensure inclusivity for the Ponkunnam neighbourhood, making the event as accessible as possible.
Motion Poster : Abhijith MS