Aravani Art Project: Giving voice to the transgender community
09 OCT 2024
The Aravani Art Project is an artistic initiative in Bangalore that focuses on creating spaces for social inclusion and visibility for the transgender community, especially the Aravani community. The Aravani Art Project was created by Poornima Sukumar in January 2016. Aravani Art Project aims to embrace the people from the Transgender Community, friends from the LGBTQIA+ communities and a few cis - allies by creating consciousness, well being through art, awareness & social participation.
Arsenale, Venice Biennale
She is a muralist, community artist and an amateur anthropologist. She uses her knowledge of public art processes to foster community engagement, enable youth voices, engage youth in peacemaking and create awareness around social issues. They wants to create a safe space for alternate voices and allow their expression.
The project invites people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with transgender individuals, primarily through mural painting and street art. These colorful murals not only beautify public spaces but also share the stories, struggles, and lives of the transgender community, creating a bridge between them and the larger society. The Aravani Art Project often collaborates with local and international artists, NGOs, and organizations to spread their message of inclusivity and equal rights.
Their work is not only about art but also activism, creating a safe space for dialogue and expression for one of the most marginalized communities in India. They have worked on various murals in Bangalore and across different cities in India, promoting social change through art.
Engaging with people from the transgender community and other marginalized groups requires a unique approach—one that prioritizes patience, empathy, and time. They invest in these relationships, knowing that the stories, experiences, and traditions they hold are invaluable. While art is their medium, they also seek the help of experts and skilled practitioners to ensure that their work is done in the most impactful and respectful way.
Delhi in front of the N.P. CO-ED Senior Secondary School in Lodhi Colony.- Lead Artists :handri N, Purushi, Jyothi, Poornima Sukumar, Sadhna Prasad
The Aravani Art Project is a journey of discovery, as they learn from the challenges, triumphs, and celebrations that come from bridging societal divides. Through the power of art, they tell stories of hope, acceptance, and possibility, bringing the dreams of marginalized communities into the light. Their hope is to inspire others to embrace difference, honor untold stories, and work towards a world where everyone has a rightful place.
Ultimately, the Aravani Art Project is about more than just creating murals—it’s about creating a future where art, equality, and acceptance coexist harmoniously. They strive to build a more inclusive world, one mural at a time, where the voices of the marginalized are heard, celebrated, and cherished.