Kalyani Pramod’s exhibition ‘The Last Glimpse’ at Alliance Française of Madras aims to raise awareness about endangered species through innovative art made from discarded materials.
CHENNAI, India — Kalyani Pramod, a prominent fibre artist from Chennai, is set to unveil her solo exhibition titled ‘The Last Glimpse’ on July 18 at the Alliance Française of Madras. This exhibition will feature 73 mixed-media artworks that creatively incorporate discarded materials to highlight the urgent plight of endangered species and the environmental challenges threatening their survival.
Pramod’s artistic philosophy emphasizes that art can be a powerful medium for raising awareness about critical issues rather than merely serving as a tool for protest. “I don’t believe in protest marches alone,” she explains. “Art is a great medium for creating awareness. It can tell people, subtly, that these are the areas of concern.” This belief is vividly expressed in her latest collection, which employs various techniques such as crochet, weaving, embroidery, punch needle work, and sculpture to represent a diverse array of wildlife facing extinction.
Among the featured works in ‘The Last Glimpse’ are representations of the Red Panda, a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas, and the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which is experiencing a rapidly declining population. These pieces serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, crafted from an assortment of discarded materials, including textile scraps, metal wires, construction waste, newspapers, and other found objects. This approach underscores Pramod’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
Reflecting on her previous work, Pramod shared, “When I was working on the climate change exhibit, I realized there were so many species getting endangered because of deforestation, forest fires, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Everything connected back to the human being.” This realization has driven her to conduct extensive research, primarily relying on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which assesses the conservation status and extinction risk of various species. She expressed concern that since she began her research, the number of endangered species has nearly doubled.
While the exhibition starkly highlights the dire circumstances many species face, it also conveys a message of hope. Pramod points to successful conservation efforts that have positively impacted certain species, such as the ibis and blackbuck, which have shown signs of recovery due to sustained intervention. “In this exhibition, I am trying to say that if we do act upon it, we can save some,” she emphasizes, framing her work as a call to action for viewers to recognize that biodiversity loss is a pressing issue that requires collective responsibility and effort.
One notable piece in the exhibition uses electrical wires to symbolize the tragic fate of the Great Indian Bustard, whose population has suffered due to fatal collisions with overhead power lines. Another artwork addresses the plight of the yellow-breasted bunting, whose numbers have drastically declined due to hunting pressures. By initially captivating viewers with the beauty of these animals, Pramod encourages them to confront the harsh realities of their endangerment.
Pramod’s choice of materials also reflects a deeper commentary on consumerism and waste. “My biggest source is the kabadiwala,” she states, referring to scrap collectors in her community. She actively encourages her students to explore waste in their surroundings, illustrating the potential for artistic expression within discarded items. Her previous exhibition, ‘Bhoomi,’ similarly focused on climate change, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns through art.
In addition to showcasing her artworks, ‘The Last Glimpse’ will feature a month-long program at the Alliance Française, which includes wildlife film screenings, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops centered around conservation and sustainability. Events will include a conversation with wildlife cinematographer Sara and photographer Jayanth Sharma, screenings of documentaries focused on sea turtle conservation, and workshops designed to create art from reclaimed materials. These initiatives aim to foster community engagement and education about the importance of biodiversity.
Running from July 18 to July 31, the exhibition will offer free entry for all attendees. This initiative not only highlights Pramod’s dedication to environmental issues but also seeks to stimulate broader conversations about the significance of biodiversity and conservation in contemporary society.
Through her work, Kalyani Pramod aspires to inspire a new generation of artists and environmental advocates. “We have to protect and preserve. It is for our own good,” she asserts, reinforcing the notion that the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss is a shared responsibility that requires urgent action from all sectors of society, according to Source Name.