Gender. Patriarchy. Discrimination. Oppression. Inequality. They seem almost like bogeys of the times, disconnected and distanced from us. For we know just how we want to lead our lives, define and dress our bodies, express our desires, choose our careers, own our words, be free, don’t we?

But ever so often, in the most random of moments, we are hit by the realisation that almost everything we do, or not, is determined by more than just our ‘will’. From who we find looking back at us in the mirror, how we laugh or cry, to the colour of our skin, where and with whom we can be seen, what makes us ‘good’ or ‘bad’, what parts of our bodies can be visible, touched or punished - we are not the ones deciding. Despite all our independence, we are encircled by rules that make sure we stay on the paths defined for us in the name of society, family, morality and nation. Rules that box us in strictly as women or men, or at most, in this politically correct world, as trans*. Except that, we almost never really fit into those boxes, do we? That’s the tight fist of patriarchy at work, compounding vulnerabilities created by our caste, class, race, religion, work, dis/ability and sexual orientation, and so on.

Lives, as we lead them, are complex, as are the truths of our existence. Which is why we need spaces where we can celebrate the diversities of our beings, acknowledge varied lived  experiences, and open up new possibilities to question and resist.

gFest, reFrame’s travelling festival of gender and the arts is an attempt to create just such a space, for joyful celebration and invigorating deliberations on our gendered lives through diverse forms of art. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate different art practices as means of creative and political expression in conversation with each other, while building renewed awareness of how gender impacts all of us. The Festival is built around the artistic outcomes of reFrame’s genderalities Fellowships, mentored over the last four years. Since its inaugural edition in Delhi, gFest has been to Mumbai and Kochi, and is now all set to captivate audiences in Gurugram.

gFest Gurugram will showcase a range of artworks, including films, performances, mixed media installations, digital art, an interactive site and photography. While each work and artist featured represents an individual voice and expression, the Festival will highlight interconnected themes that explore gender, body politics, identity, sexuality, power, stereotypes, discrimination, exclusion, violence and labour.

Artworks on display will be brought alive by walk-throughs and interactions with the presenting Artists and curators, as well as conversations with and reflections by guests on the art, politics and making of the works.

Special events will include performances, panel discussions and talks on themes emerging from the works.

Screenings of documentary films and a feature film will be followed by interactive sessions with the filmmakers as well as cast and crew members.

Dedicated sessions and workshops for students will help them discover varied forms of artistic expression, encourage them to share their own ideas and experiences around gender and other social factors.

That many of the artists featured at gFest Gurugram are young, emerging voices from all over the country, never showcased in Gurugram, is exciting for us, and we believe an opportunity for new conversations and programming.