It seems impossible to laugh in times of fear and repression, in times of genocide? And yet isn’t it what we must do at all costs? Doesn’t our ability to reduce the ‘stature’ of those who perceive themselves as invincible, lie in sizing them and the structures they uphold, down? How does critique, edged with the ridiculous and the satirical serve this end? Who partakes in the laughter? Nothing frustrates power more than the thought of being laughed at, because ridicule burns with agency and refusal, when aimed at someone who assumes their place to be at the top.
Bani Abidi will conduct a 4 day workshop at the Pathshala Institute in Dhaka. The workshop is meant for photographers, film makers and artists. We will look at films, readings and art projects from different contexts and time periods, that are critical, playful and smart. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own materials and suggestions to the discussion. We will collectively set out to produce material through short experiments and projects.
