Do you have a wish for your city? Would you like to take a mannat for Amdavad? If yes, then visit the Siddi Sayed ni Jali this weekend and pen your desire on the ‘Tree for Humanity’ and before you realise, your wish might come true.
The Tree for Humanity is a sculpture which will be installed at the historic landmark of the city this morning as the three-day Ahmedabad International Arts Festival is inaugurated today.
The notion of citizens taking a ‘Mannat for the city’ was conceptualised by festival director Anupa Mehta as a bridge between communities, and to bring different sections of the society on a platform for the city.
“The naada chhadi and mannat are symbols of different sections of the society. Citizens’ wishes will be taken down on paper and at the end of the festival given to mayor Asit Vora. It is a platform where art will connect Amdavadis irrespective of caste and creed; a space for freedom of expression,” Mehta said on the eve of the
inauguration.
Much like the inaugural event of Amdavad ni Jali: A Mannat for the City, the Art festival will bring together 75 artistes in 35 different events across 23 venues in the city. Around 15 different art exhibitions and installations of different hues and forms will be thrown open for Amdavadis today morning.
The wooden art installation near the Siddi Sayed ni Jali, termed the Tree for Humanity is the artist Karl Antao’s interpretation of a fetus in the head of Mahatma Gandhi, and the trunk of the tree is depicted by a series of hands holding each other. “The piece is both satirical and kind of introspection. A mention of the seven social sins is also a part of the installation,” Antao says.
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