'Caste System and Sexuality: Resistance Through Art' exhibition kicks off

 A fine arts exhibition entitled 'Caste System and Sexuality: Resistance Through Art' is on at the NAFA exhibition hall in local Naxal. 

The week-long event is jointly organized by Samari Uthan Sewa, and the National Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).

The event is organized to increase public awareness of the issues of LGBTIQ people from the Dalit communities, according to the organisers.

NAFA said the exhibition aims to raise voices against the caste system by means of art and to aware the society against caste discrimination.

The art works of 40 artists, including those from LGBTIQ of Dalit communities are put on display.

The paintings of the exhibition would give a symbolic message about discrimination against the Dalit sexual minorities, it is said.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati had inaugurated the art exhibition. On the occasion, Minister Kirati said the disparity based on caste and gender that was there in society is gradually declining. He suggested organizing such programmes in future also as art can be a powerful means of spreading awareness in society.

NAFA Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali stressed on the need of moving ahead through art from the academic level for eliminating gender and caste discrimination.

The exhibition will highlight the artistic ability of the sexual minorities and help enhance advocacy of their rights, said Executive Director of the Sewa, Bimala Gayak.

Furthermore, the event is also expected to create an environment for holding public debate on the exclusion and disparities facing the Dalit sexual minorities in the country based on their sexuality and caste, she added.