Friday, Jun 15, 2018 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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Taken over a 10 year period, Khichdi (Kitchari)explores India’s rapidly changing identity, focusing on gender, technology, and the balance of traditional Indian and western culture. Printed in New Delhi under the supervision of Sethi and designer Brian Paul Lamotte, the book’s production draws upon the seemingly haphazard yet highly resourceful nature of a place where space and proximity lead to unexpected interactions.  Materials are repurposed and recycled many times over. The locally sourced glossy paper contrasts with the roughness of the exposed spine and hand painted edges, allowing the physical object to exist somewhere between a mass-produced product and a hand-crafted object. Initially a sensory overload, it unfolds into a complex web of ideas, involving the reader in a process of constant discovery and reexamination.
Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made from rice boiled together with a variety of ingredients that is eaten throughout the subcontinent. No single recipe, list of ingredients, or even spelling is deemed to be official, with the only constant quality of the dish being its ever changing identity. In a similar fashion, Sethi’s work never offers a singular permanent viewpoint. Rather, it serves as an expanded, ever changing self portrait documenting an evolution of the country, its people, and the artist himself.

There will be a presentation for one night only of “The (Very) Special Edition” at the Vitsoe space above Dashwood during the signing. "The (Very) Special Edition" expands upon the concepts of the book’s layout, construction, and content. Produced in an edition of 20, it was conceived while the artist and designer were in New Delhi for the printing of the book.  Each copy is unique and features items sourced and created in the markets of New Delhi, including; Hand-painted statue; Tee shirt; Watch; Vinyl truck decals and stickers; Holographic religious lithographic prints, as well as 5 Additional books/zines produced in New Delhi wrapped in holy thread and an editioned C-Print and screen print. Everything comes enclosed in a unique, custom-made special edition box covered in recycled packaging vinyl and sold with an alternate edition of the book with silver edging (rather than red). All 20 sets, as well as related artworks, objects, and materials will be on display.