Negotiating the Present Anthropogenic Epoch (Labour of Love)

 curated by Bavisha Varigonda

Organised GALLERY SPLASH

21 June 2025, Bikaner House, New Delhi

My project embarks on a journey through time, exploring how manual labour has shaped human existence across both the colonial era and the contemporary Anthropocene. At its heart, the work contrasts two opposing experiences: the slow, mindful labour of love that has historically formed the backbone of human life, and the rapid, often shallow pace of work driven by modern technology. In bringing these two realms together, I aim to uncover a fresh narrative—one that is rooted not just in critique, but in the active pursuit of balance, humanity, and deeper connection in a world that increasingly feels fractured and detached.

Historically, manual labour has been central to human life, representing a time when work was labour-intensive, intentional, and slow. It was a world marked by human connection to land, craft, and process, but also one deeply tied to colonial systems of exploitation and control. The labour of the past was often invisible to those who benefited most from it, and the legacy of colonialism still echoes in our contemporary understanding of work. In this project, I explore how the historical context of labour and exploitation can be contrasted with, or even reframed in, our present-day experience in the Anthropocene—the current geological age marked by human dominance over nature.

Today, we live in a world where technology offers immediate satisfaction, where tasks once performed by hand are now automated, and where our attention is fractured by endless streams of digital content. The fast-paced, often mindless consumption of information—what some might call the "scrolling culture" of social media—leaves us disconnected from meaningful acts of labour and self-care. The gratification is fleeting, and the emotional cost is high, leading to rising levels of anxiety, burnout, and a deep sense of disconnection. However, psychologists and mental health experts increasingly advocate for slow, meditative practices that encourage mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being. These practices, including deliberate, slow work, offer a path to restore balance and peace in a world that is often overwhelmed by digital overstimulation.

Through this performance work, I invite a shift in perspective. The act of engaging in slow, deliberate labour—not just as a physical act but as a mental and emotional one—becomes therapeutic. It becomes an antidote to the anxiety created by the constant, illogical movement of digital content that fragments our attention and, in doing so, exhausts us. By engaging in slow, intentional work, we can reclaim our agency, connect with our bodies, and nurture ourselves through acts of self-love and self-care. This process becomes not just an act of healing for the individual but a way of reconnecting with a more humane rhythm of existence, grounded in love, care, and compassion.

This project is not merely a reflection on the past or a critique of the present. It is an attempt to bring more humanity into the Anthropocene, reversing the dominant forces of speed, efficiency, and exploitation, and instead embracing practices rooted in care, compassion, and mindfulness. It is about reimagining the relationship between humans, technology, and the natural world, fostering a deeper connection to the land, to one another, and to ourselves. The work challenges the overwhelming narratives of productivity and efficiency that dominate modern life, calling for a return to the simple yet profound acts of labour that have long defined human existence.

In this sense, the project is an act of resistance—resisting the dehumanising effects of digital culture, resisting the speed that distances us from meaningful existence, and resisting the destructive patterns set in motion by colonial systems of labour and exploitation. Through performance, I created a space where slowness is not seen as a hindrance but as a powerful means of restoring balance, nurturing compassion, and fostering human connection in an age increasingly defined by technological dominance.

Ultimately, this work seeks to offer a counter-narrative, one that reintroduces humanity—through love, care, and compassion—into a world that risks losing touch with these essential values. It’s an invitation to step away from the constant rush and embrace a slower, more thoughtful approach to life—one that has the power to heal, connect, and enrich the human experience.