Bhavani G S
bangaloREsident-Expanded@Experimental Radio

My residency with Experimental Radio hosted by Ralf Homann was during October and November 2022. On my earlier residency in 2017 I had been engaged with the River Isar and made a small video on a symbolic relationship between the River of Munich and Bangalore. My interest in the River Cauvery and its tributaries helped me associate with rivers of Munich and see them as extensions of my research on flowing water. It is so intriguing to see such a beautiful river flow in the city of Munich quietly, in between the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s always an interesting challenge to visit a new country, city and connect to the place and express the responses to place in my visual language. I was very curious to find out more about the many rivers in Munich other than the majestic Isar. The hidden rivers flow under the city surface and in some places, they surface visibly to fit the need of the City Municipal accordingly. I felt that the city of Munich is very blessed to have so many rivers. My curator, Ralf Homann and I went around mapping the flow of these hidden rivers, that are sometimes visible and at other times just the gurgling sound or a marking on the map. This has made me think in alternative terms for Bangalore too, that is a city bursting at its seams with unchecked urbanisation.

Ralf showed me many water bodies and the water management systems. This residency has pushed me to consider the many possibilities of the river flow. Apart from the project itself, I am always fascinated by the people’s lifestyle, relationship with their environment, working methods, and the food and culture of the country. At the end of my stay, my desire was to return home but also to continue to learn and absorb from the new experiences I had of Munich and the Rivers.

During my stay I visited the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum, The Pinakothek der Moderne, Haus der Kunst, Lenbachhaus, Kunsthalle, Rathaus, open studios in Atelier Haus Baumstraße, der Platform and many more shows in Galleries, each space giving me new inspiration and food for thought. Meeting many artists, visiting some of their studios and having conversations about their work allowed me to encounter art practices  that were something new for me.

The changing landscape in autumn was mesmerizing and powerful, for someone like me who is from a geography that is largely evergreen and tropical. The Residency has given me fresh directions and added new dimensions to my work; it has laid the seeds for many new ideas.

This residency has been made possible with support of Goethe-Institut / Max Muller Bhavan Bangalore, Experimental Radio – Munich, Department of Arts and Culture and the Cultural Department of the City of Munich, Kunstraum Munich, Streitfeld Studios. My special thanks to Ralf Homman, Maureen Gonsalves, Dr. Michael Heinst, Riya Mathew, Nandita Nirgudkar, Gabriele Obermaier , Manuela Unverdorben, Lena von Geyso, Alexander Steig, Susanne Flynn and David Flynn, Siddhan Studios and many friends in Munich.