Efflorescence (2013–ongoing)
Iftikhar Dadi and Elizabeth Dadi
Efflorescence
2013–ongoing
Neon, bulbs, aluminium and mixed media 122 x 122 x 15.2 cm (each)
Courtesy of the artists and Jhaveri Contemporary, Mumbai
Overview
Drawing from the visual languages of Pop and conceptual art,
Iftikhar Dadi and Elizabeth Dadi’s multidisciplinary work emerges from inquiries into urban vernacular creativity and the role of popular media in shaping notions of borders and identity. Bathed in neon light resembling that of commercial signage, Efflorescence (2013– ongoing) consists of large-scale sculptural reproductions of the national flowers of contested regions, drawing attention to the irony of using flora of widespread geographic origin as signifiers of national distinction. The title of the series holds a double meaning, evoking both the grace of flowers in bloom—metaphorically entangled with the flowering of civilisation— and processes of decay and discolouration, paralleling tensions and disputes over politics, religion and culture.
