Avni Sethi works as an interdisciplinary practitioner in the arts. Through her practice, she questions the nature of conflict and violence, while imagining ‘microsubversions’ as potential responses. Avni is a recipient of the 2020-22 Jane Lombard Prize for Art and Social Justice for her work at the Conflictorium - Museum of Conflict, where she serves as its artistic director. She hopes that societies eventually develop better cultural ecosystems that are built on care and equity. Avni lives and works in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Which three books would you recommend?
Annihilation of Caste B.R. Ambedkar
I think of this book as essential reading, especially for those who have any sort of relationship with the South Asian region. It was an undelivered speech by Dr. BR Ambedkar which he later self-published. The book builds a foundational critique on caste-based violence so integrated in the Hindu society. It dismantles with great force any case for reform but asks for a complete annihilation of the structures that perpetuate inequality. In fact, it provides a solid ground to build a feminist restructuring of society in the most accessible manner. Reading this book was a definitive turning point in my life and shaped my work in art, in politics.
Potential History: Unlearning ImperialismAriella Aïsha Azoulay
It is difficult to love this book. It makes the reader, a practitioner of the arts, encounter a solitary discomfort. It unpacks imperialism's tacit mechanisms in present-continuous conquests. The book problematises categories such as human rights, archives, museums, even art as having fundamental traces of violence embedded within them.
It offers the 'strike' as a viable option, of withholding participation in furthering certain violence. As people who work within the arts, it is an important reminder to see the world through frames that may be widely different than ours.
Radhika SantawanamMuddupalani
Muddupalani was a courtesan and poetess writing in Telegu in the 18th century and a staunch anti-reformist. This epic length poem defies any sense of morality attached to female desire. The verses in the poem are located in unabashed sexual encounters with Krishna, his betrayal and return. In many ways autobiographical, she presents the heroine as neither coy nor submissive instead demands her pleasure unlike any convention.
The book has been on my shelves for years, with deep descriptions, serving as erotica, but mostly evoking silent remembrances.
Whose reading list are you most curious about?
Mostly bibliographies within the books I am reading. I believe in 'things lead to other things'. But then I also have stellar colleagues, who are all mostly readers and have special recommendations.