During my residency at Rote Fabrik, Zurich, Switzerland, I carried out an extensive public outreach programme through my work, which included twelve round brick-making workshops organised in four cycles of three days each. From the outset, I was certain that I was not there to achieve some extraordinary feat, but rather to remain committed to my fundamental approach: to observe, listen, learn, and engage with people through conversations and shared experiences. This approach made the multilayered themes within my work more accessible and less intimidating, despite addressing complex social realities. Throughout the residency, I witnessed this through the diverse audiences who participated in the workshops, attended studio events, and engaged with the public installation that marked the culmination of the residency.
The work took the form of a participatory installation inspired by a brick kiln in India. It encouraged visitors to “get their hands muddy,” not only to develop empathy for labouring communities and the socio-economic conditions they inhabit, but also to experience the tactile beauty and transformative qualities of clay. The metaphorical significance of earth and brick resonated deeply with both participants and visitors. The fact that the material was sourced locally through research and manual labour became, in itself, a labour of love—one that translated meaningfully into the emotional, experiential, and collective dimensions of the project. Through this process, the installation created a space for reflection on labour, materiality, belonging, and the often-unseen human stories embedded within the built environment.
Material sourced locally through research and personal manual work
PRESS :
“Brick-making with Birender Yadav” | Pro Helvetia New Delhi, Visual Arts | 15th Oct, 2024