Artistic statement about human trafficking

Inspired by the 2011 independent documentary film Not My Life about human trafficking and contemporary slavery by Robert Bilheimer, contemporary artists Kanchan Chander and Dominique Gribot-Carrozare present a unique fundraising exhibition. The show titled “Not My Life: Artist Respond” will feature around 70 works spreading awareness and questioning the society’s ethics on human trafficking.

Dominique says, “Through this platform we aim to raise awareness about global human trafficking, particularly of children.” Kanchan adds, “We use art as a meduim for this case as we believe it will further mobilise citizens, leaders and decision-makers to fight this human predicament globally.”

Dominique is donating 100 per cent of proceeds from this exhibition for the awareness campaign while Kanchan is donating 50 per cent. Dominique is showcasing a collection work made of waste materials. She says, “My recycled works explore possible dreams, thoughts or feelings of trafficked or enslaved children. The perspective is intentionally candid and full of hope, for them, and even for viewers. A series of abstract works complements the emotional messaging in a thought-provoking way.”

Kanchan’s collection includes etching works from 1960s – 1980s. She shares, “The collection includes stark black and white images of despair and desolation, reflecting an outstanding sensitivity and empathy to human suffering. The exhibition will also feature some of my early works in connection to the suffering of trafficked people focusing on tribal and female forms being typically used in colourful paintings to create a rich pattern.”