Ideas How did the Taj Mahal turn into a bouncy castle?
Jul 4, 2025
In this lively discussion, Winnipeg-born artist Divya Mehra reveals her inflatable Taj Mahal installation, exploring its commentary on colonialism and cultural identity. Sudanese-Canadian Azza El Siddique reflects on the emotional power of scent and the impact of cultural memory. Jamaican artist Tyshan Wright shares the Maroon legacy's resilience, connecting identity and art through music. Urban Indigenous artist Krystle Silverfox and Haitian-born Stanley Février discuss representation in the art world, emphasizing the need for diverse voices and narratives.
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Scent as Cultural Time Travel
- Azza El Siddique incorporates Sudanese scents, especially sandalwood, in her art to evoke memory and cultural identity.
- Scent acts as a powerful, invisible presence that connects life, death, and diaspora experiences.
Childhood Memories of Sudan
- Azza El Siddique remembers playing barefoot on scorching hot ground in Sudan and seeing a camel vendor selling dried fruit.
- These vivid early memories highlight her connection to her homeland and serve as inspiration for her art.
Art Reflects Life's Temporality
- Azza El Siddique chooses not to fire her clay vessels because their temporality reflects life's impermanence.
- Her work explores mythology linking pottery with human creation, emphasizing fluidity and transformation.