The just lately concluded photograph and artwork exhibition, Anaivarum – Echoes of Heritage: A Celebration of Past & Inclusivity by Madras Photo Bloggers, and collectively organised by the British Council, Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, and the Madras Literary Society, held a panel dialogue titled Sign Language as Art, focussing upon the significance of utilizing sign language and the want for larger inclusivity in the arts.
The panel dialogue featured deaf artiste Swetha Kulkarni (artist and photographer), Haseena S (deaf stage performer), and Dinesh RP (deaf filmmaker), who mentioned their experiences and the significance of representing deaf voices and views. The dialogue was moderated by Srivatsan Sankaran, founding father of Madras Photo Bloggers and the Deaf Artist NFT Collective.
Swetha emphasised the significance of empowerment and positivity by her work, “I dont feel negative when someone gives me a negative comment, I feel it encourages me to do even better.”
Haseena spoke about her apply of utilizing sign language, physique language and facial expressions to showcase her feelings in her performances, “From childhood, I have been practising the songs by using the sign language in front of the mirror. I know that this song is something which everyone enjoys. So, I want even a deaf person to enjoy and have the same feeling,” says Haseena.
“Deaf people are highly unique. They have their own skills, their own ideas, and they know how to write. I have been focussing on different stories, and converting them into sign language is how I want to support the community,” says Dinesh whereas speaking about the energy and distinctive abilities of the deaf group.
Dinesh additionally highlighted the ignorance and accessibility inside the movie business. As an answer, he talked about the want for extra balanced illustration of sign language interpreters on display, suggesting a 50/50 break up with the actor, somewhat than the imbalance the place listening to people dominate the display.
The panellists elucidated on the distinction between Indian Sign Language (ISL), British Sign Language (BSL), and American Sign Language (ASL), which aren’t mutually intelligible. Even although there’s a mutual sign language used throughout particular occasions, like airline security, most communication depends on country-specific sign language.
“Through our collaboration with Madras Literary Society, we are proud to celebrate differently abled artists whose visual language turns lived experience into powerful art and cultural storytelling. This event embodies our commitment to championing inclusion, expanding access, and making our libraries vibrant, welcoming spaces — where every voice is heard and every form of expression is seen and valued,” mentioned Viji Thiyagarajan, director, Libraries South Asia, British Council.
The panel dialogue was adopted by a jamming session by a variety of artistes showcasing their skills by dance, mime performances, all interpreted in sign language.
The Hindu is the media companion for the occasion
