Mobocracy x Democracy

GROUP SHOW

Jan 27, 2023 - Feb 28, 2023

LATITUDE 28, showcases a first-of-its kind ‘Physical+Digital’ show, in collaboration with the NFT platform, The Upside Space, co-founded by Lisa Ray. Titled Mobocracy x Democracy, it was a part of the IAF 2023 Parallel Programme and features a unique mixture of digital works (NFTs) and physical works. Curated by Priyanshi Saxena, the exhibition dwells on artistic practices which examine the chimera that democracy has become, post the advent of social media.

CURATORIAL NOTE

The exhibition explores shades and forms in which ‘mobocracy’ exists and operates in democratic structures, fuelled by the advent of social media and the relentless churning of the 24-hour news cycle. Presenting artistic practices that examine this new reality, especially through digital mediums that have now assumed great power in shaping the force of mobocracy, this exhibition is an urgent call to think deeper about the erosion of our collective life as citizens.

As Yuval Noah Harari states, “States and nations are not an objective reality, it is a fictional story we have invented, and have become really attached to”’. Today, we are fighting to save this very fictional reality that has a different colour in each of our minds. The onslaught on employment and labour with the rise of machine technologies that are ever-perfecting, has led to vast groups of people feeling anxious, without aim and open to transformation into mobs.

Harari continues: “The big economic/ political question of the 21st century will be ‘what do we need so many humans for’?”; and mobocracy seems to be the answer to this quest. “As a historian, I know that you should never underestimate human stupidity, it’s one of the most powerful forces that shape history.” These mobs, in carrying out actions on behalf of power, support the cycle of capital and oppression.

We are also attempting to explore the concept of भीड़तंत्र, or भीड़; and how it is effecting, and being affected by governance. And finally, exploring different kinds of mobs, from intellectual mobs to WhatsApp groups functioning as mobs both affecting, and being affected by majoritarian ideas while often not being fully aware of what they are performing. Mobocracy functions like the friction which keeps the wheel of power turning round and round. Breaking this wheel is necessary, and the works in this show are a step towards thinking of such possibilities.

By Priyanshi Saxena