The Coarse Fabric of Being Human
What if we could distil the essence of the human body into a single, extraordinary molecule?
The Coarse Fabric of Being Human created by Raqs Media Collective rendered this concept into hand-tufted carpets. Each piece of fabric represented an element in this hypothetical molecule. Drawn from a speculative construction called the Sterner-Elser Molecular Formula, the exhibit asked us to think about what constitutes us, as molecular collectives, and as a species.
Medium: Hand Tufted Carpets, Viscose, Wool
Year: 2021
Process
Team
Raqs Media Collective
Formed in 1992 by Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, Raqs Media Collective derives its name from the concept of 'raqs,' signifying an intensified state of awareness achieved through revolution and turning. For Raqs, this translates into 'kinetic contemplation' and an active engagement with the world. Utilising diverse media, including installation, sculpture, video, and curation, they transform objects into tools for exploring time. Operating at the intersection of contemporary art, philosophy, and historical inquiry, Raqs has a global presence. Their work finds them at the intersection of contemporary art, philosophical speculation and historical enquiry. Based in Delhi, they co-founded the Sarai program, curated exhibitions like the Shanghai Biennale 2016, and served as Artistic Directors for the Yokohama Triennale 2020.
