Bharat Darshana, 2023

Art Show Dates: 16-19 March

Location: 49 McCaul St., Toronto 

Khushi Jetley, the founder and president of the OCAD Hindu Students’ Council (formerly Hindu Students’ Association), came up with the idea to create an experience that showcased Art inspired by the Indigenous Indian culture. As one of the lead curators, she put together a 3 day art show with the help of her team that had 30+ emerging artists from all over GTA (visual artists and performers), and was attended by 200 people. 

Bharat Darshana Website: www.ocadbharatdarshana.com

OCAD HSC Instagram: @ocaduhsc

Curatorial Statement drafted by Khushi Jetley:

The OCAD Hindu Student Association proudly presents Bharat Darshana, an immersive artistic experience that invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Hinduism as a way of living. As the first Hindu student group at OCAD University in Toronto, our mission is to create a safe and empowering space for Hindu students and artists to connect, collaborate, and learn together. With this goal in mind, we have collaborated with the Darshana Exhibition to bring you a transformative exhibition that delves into the depths of Hindu culture and its enduring principles.

Bharat Darshana is more than an exhibition; it is a body of work that communicates concepts, ideas, and experiences that are emerging in the western world as a consequence of belief systems indigenous to the Indus Valley region of South-East Asia, historically known as the Harappan civilization. This belief system is colloquially referred to as Hinduism. In our observation, the western narrative of Hinduism has often left gaps in understanding, and our exhibition serves as an attempt to fill those voids.

We aim to provide a neutral and inclusive space that explores Hinduism in a post-colonial world. As the largest art and design school in Canada, we have a unique platform to exhibit an artistic expression of spirituality and tradition. Simultaneously, we explore the future through innovations in Hindu thought as it relates to society, religion, and science. Our hope is to create an environment that fosters emerging artists and encourages a deeper understanding of Hindu culture, not just as a historical artifact but as a living, evolving tradition.

The inspiration for Bharat Darshana comes from the heart of Hindu thought and ideology. Art permeates every dimension of the Hindu lifestyle, and it has left its mark on every facet of Hindu civilization. Hindu art, in its purest form, seeks to serve a higher purpose by expressing ideas of spirituality and self. Through this exhibition, we celebrate the millennia-old traditions of Hinduism, from classical dance forms to intricate miniature paintings, providing a window into the cultural heritage that defines our way of life.

Building upon the foundation of the Darshana Poster exhibit, we aspire to present a decolonized perspective of Hindu values and principles. We aim to educate our community about the essence of our culture, its contributions to the world, and the depth of its offerings. Additionally, as a small but vibrant art community in the Greater Toronto Area, the OCAD Hindu Student Association intends to use Bharat Darshana as an opportunity to create a platform for local emerging Hindu artists, fostering a sense of belonging and an environment where artistic expressions are nurtured.

Bharat Darshana is an invitation to embark on a journey through the heart of Hinduism. We hope that this exhibition will not only serve as an artistic and cultural exploration but also as a means to promote inclusivity, understanding, and the thriving creativity of the Hindu community within the broader artistic landscape. We welcome you to join us in celebrating this vibrant culture and to partake in the dialogue surrounding the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation.