Banyan Tree: South Asian Dance 2000-2020

5 Nov-27 Nov 2021

PV 4 Nov 2021, 5-9pm

Overview

Banyan Tree celebrates the remarkable dance artists who have contributed their unique vision to South Asian dance in the UK, principally through the lens of photographer Simon Richardson. The exhibition is organized by Luton-based Kadam Dance and will coincide with the premiere of Kadam’s Dance’s new work Songs of the Heart at Hat Factory Arts Centre on 12 November. 

The exhibition includes portraits of the current generation of dancers, mostly captured live in performance, highlighting both movement and inner stillness; the young generations being introduced to dance; and surprises, such as when the lens is turned to the audience in a dementia-friendly performance. 

The last two decades have witnessed the diffusion of South Asian forms across multiple spaces. Forms that evolved in Indian temples have found new spaces from theatres to city squares, museums and even swimming pools! The images in this exhibition tell the story of the contemporary makers and performers and those from whom they have inherited the forms. 

Simon Richardson has photographed dance and performance for the last twenty-five years, with a particular focus on, and passion for, South Asian classical dance. His involvement with Pulse Magazine, the dedicated magazine for South Asian dance and music, has brought him into contact with that community throughout the UK and he has photographed many dance companies and individual performers. 

Press

Banyan Tree Luton | PRESS RELEASE
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