KOCHI: The artist Ouso is holding his first exhibition, ‘Pastiche - rewritten histories’ at the David Hall, For Kochi. It is about rewriting histories and narratives. About Pastiche, Ouso says, “Graduating from art school [from Monash University, Melbourne], I was confronted with the dilemma of what I wanted to say as an artist through my work. My work raises questions about representation, identity… the idea of the historical cannon. Reflecting upon our colonial past and observing the present, and fearing the neo-colonial forces at play all around us today”.
Ouso often wonders if the imperial crown has been simply replaced by the multinational conglomerate? The show represents a modern Malayali world view, a position that is tolerant, accepting yet highly calibrated to understanding the injustices of the world.
The exhibition attempts to re-present these histories in a seemingly whimsical manner often taunting the viewer with the sardonic gaze of the subjects. Posing the question ‘who is looking at who’ today? Incidentally, a pastiche is a work of visual art, literature, or music that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists. Unlike parody, pastiche celebrates, rather than mocks, the work it imitates.
The exhibition will take place from October 1 to 15.