Why do Indians relieve themselves in an open environment near a railway track? Why do they do it in groups or communities? Why has open defecation not been dealt with serious efforts? Why do the people prefer T.V or a mobile phone over an affordable toilet facility? The people have aspirations which are influenced by the media, so by triggering a question can create awareness. ‘Loo Culture’ project’s core idea lies in questioning the existing practices of defecation, out of which originated the need to bring in awareness of the fact that majority people still prefer open defecation to using bathrooms. Project founder Harsha Vardhan Durugadda, from Visakhapatnam, Andhra

Pradesh, a multidisciplinary freelance Artist / Filmmaker is interested in questioning the thin line between art & not. Completing his masters in Visual communication he moved on to create projects like ‘Loo Culture’ a social art project. Currently working on a documentary series for the Gates

Foundation funded venture called ‘Project Sammaan’ along with an active art practice.

Harsha said “Design in my project is being used as a tool. A strong message like open defecation embedded into social media which will awaken minds to be aware of the problem that exists. Asking people to donate right away to build toilets is not solution according to me but I think it has to happen through awakening.” He used unused toilet sinks, abandoned toilets (WC), etc. Technically glazed porcelain does not absorb synthetic colors. He had to sand paper these surfaces to enable the paints to stay on the surface. The contours of the pot only added more depth and form to the work. It had been a challenge working with these deep contours which create convex and concave surfaces.

There is no traditional system which supports painting in glazed porcelain surfaces. Artworks from unused, new toilets were created to make a tangible impact. He exhibited these artworks at the open village night in Hauz Khas and Max Mueller, British Council during Unbox Festival 2012. “Loo culture” is just the beginning of the endless probe into this wholesome world of relieving. The talk about sex related problems has been done through very innovative methods, but open defecation has been a taboo. Hence there is a necessity to use unique frameworks which enable the penetration of the idea to promote usage of toilets. Harsha said “The journey into Loo Culture in India continues until there arises no further need for us to think over

it as a problem.” Art need not bring direct change but will act as a catalyst to the change that will emerge from the people inspired and affected by the new loo culture

Article Posted By : prajwal316  On March 17, 2013lView All Articles

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Keywords :
relieve , Indians