Shalini Dam

Shalini Dam manipulates the surface of clay in a way that animates the clay and creates an optical illusion. So you see one image from one side and another from another angle. She uses easily recognizable signs, symbols and forms and juxtaposes them in a way that raises questions and concerns about the world we live in. Cutting the surface and form is not just a physical manifestation of the urge to look beyond but also a means to subvert the sign, symbol or form. Not Everyone Will Dance in the Rain is inspired by the most documented and well-photographed stepwell, Chand Baoli of Abaneri. It explores the narrative around water – particularly its accessibility. Who gets a share of this natural resource and who is denied?

Shalini Dam completed her Masters in Ceramics from Cardiff School of Art and Design, Wales, UK (2011-2012). Over the last three years she has shown her work at Mrittika 3, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, CretaYuga, Argilla, Faenza, Italy Ex-Tempore, Zagreb, Croatia, All India Studio Potter’s Exhibition, Aifacs, Porcelain 2018, and the Visual Art Gallery, IHC, Delhi. In 2017 she was awarded the second prize at the 20th All India Studio Pottery Exhibition organized by AIFACS, participated in Breaking Ground 2018, India’s First Ceramic Triennale, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur (2018) and got an Honourable Mention at the Korean International Ceramic Biennale 2019. Her recent participations include ‘Earthen Transmutations’, LATITUDE 28, New Delhi (2021) ‘Playhouse of Her Mind’, LATITUDE 28, New Delhi (2021) among others. Shalini Dam lives and works in Gurgaon, India.