Jitish Kallat

Jitish Kallat, "Public Notice 3", India, 2010.  Enamel paint, rubber stamps, and ink on acrylic.

 Jitish Kallat's "Public Notice 3" is a mixed-media installation that features the use of charcoal on canvas to recreate a historical speech delivered by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. The speech was delivered as part of the Salt Satyagraha, a non-violent protest against British colonial rule in India. The installation includes a sound component in which a voice can be heard reciting the speech in a loop, creating a powerful and immersive experience. The work addresses the theme of mental health by exploring the ways in which individuals can use peaceful means to stand up against oppression and injustice. It also touches upon the theme of emotion by evoking a sense of reverence and admiration for Gandhi's message of non-violence and civil disobedience. The visual details of the installation, such as the use of charcoal to recreate the speech, and the sound component that repeats it, emphasize the urgency and importance of Gandhi's message, while also creating a meditative and reflective atmosphere. In "Public Notice 3", Kallat brings attention to the power of words and the transformative effects they can have on society. The installation shows to consider their own role in promoting peace and justice in the world and reflect on how they can contribute to positive change. The use of Mahatma Gandhi's speech serves as a reminder of the impact that a single individual can have in the face of oppression and adversity.