Collective raises awareness on social issues through art

Fed up with paucity of exposure and moolah, and their work drowning in a cacophony of mediocre art, a tribe of passionate artists decided to come together and form a community. The result of the shared vision was Trippy Tales, a group of art enthusiasts unified by the collective mission of voicing social issues through the media of dance, music, theatre, and more.

The group of musicians, filmmakers, writers, poets, photographers and dancers from all walks of life performs in different open spaces in Delhi, and their creative expression has a strong socio-cultural dimension as well. The community highlights the issues of gender sensitisation, mental health, freedom of speech, among others.

“We wanted to use art to express our angst against the system. We believe that music and dance is not only for entertainment. It is a powerful tool to make yourself heard,” said Vaishnavi Mannava, co-founder of Trippy Tales. What was initially a handful of people jamming on a rooftop in Shahpur Jat has now expanded into a vibrant community that “awakens and enlightens the mind”.

Trippy Tales regularly organises workshops, touching upon topics such as patriarchy and human rights as part of its ‘Awakening’ series. The group is also zealous about reviving old art forms that are fast vanishing, besides providing platform to new artists.

“Poetry recitation was an intricate part of our culture till a decade ago. Mushairas were so common. We are trying to bring that back in fashion with a little bit of innovation. Ancient story telling forms, such as Dastangoi, is another aspect we are focusing on,” said Mannava.  

Both amateur and professional artists are involved in the initiative, and use several tools and techniques to promote verbal and non-verbal communication, clearing the way for others to find inspiration in everyday things. “Our vision is to establish meaningful connections and work relationships with everyone and everything that surrounds us by using stimulating methods that encourage creative expression,” Mannava added.

Fed up with paucity of exposure and moolah, and their work drowning in a cacophony of mediocre art, a tribe of passionate artists decided to come together and form a community. The result of the shared vision was Trippy Tales, a group of art enthusiasts unified by the collective mission of voicing social issues through the media of dance, music, theatre, and more.

The group of musicians, filmmakers, writers, poets, photographers and dancers from all walks of life performs in different open spaces in Delhi, and their creative expression has a strong socio-cultural dimension as well. The community highlights the issues of gender sensitisation, mental health, freedom of speech, among others.

“We wanted to use art to express our angst against the system. We believe that music and dance is not only for entertainment. It is a powerful tool to make yourself heard,” said Vaishnavi Mannava, co-founder of Trippy Tales. What was initially a handful of people jamming on a rooftop in Shahpur Jat has now expanded into a vibrant community that “awakens and enlightens the mind”.

Trippy Tales regularly organises workshops, touching upon topics such as patriarchy and human rights as part of its ‘Awakening’ series. The group is also zealous about reviving old art forms that are fast vanishing, besides providing platform to new artists.

“Poetry recitation was an intricate part of our culture till a decade ago. Mushairas were so common. We are trying to bring that back in fashion with a little bit of innovation. Ancient story telling forms, such as Dastangoi, is another aspect we are focusing on,” said Mannava.  

Both amateur and professional artists are involved in the initiative, and use several tools and techniques to promote verbal and non-verbal communication, clearing the way for others to find inspiration in everyday things. “Our vision is to establish meaningful connections and work relationships with everyone and everything that surrounds us by using stimulating methods that encourage creative expression,” Mannava added.