Discover the talented artists and performers showcasing their work at SATRANG, celebrating the intersection of South Asian and LGBTQI+ experiences through visual art and live performances.
REGISTER FOR OPENING NIGHTMichael Haldar is a multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant and thought-provoking works. Originally from Chittagong, Bangladesh, Michael draws inspiration from his South Asian heritage, the LGBTQ+ community, and the lush, colourful beauty found in nature. His paintings burst with intricate details, sensual human forms, and bold, expressive hues that reflect his unique perspective and life experiences.
Adish Jain is a dedicated advocate and artist from India, now based in Sydney, who champions the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community. His journey with Trikone Australia began as a volunteer dancer and quickly evolved into a leadership role as Community Outreach Director. Adish has organised impactful events like Desi Drag Bingo and Bar Bombay, and he is the creative force behind the South Asian Spectrum Voices: Portrait of Resilience photoshoot. His work continues to inspire and foster a sense of belonging and pride within the community.
Jay Joshi is a skilled dancer performing the Yugmadwanda Pallavi, a pure and abstract dance form that beautifully intertwines rhythm, music, and movement. This intricate performance, choreographed by Ratikant Mohapatra and taught under the direction of Dr. Sam Goraya, explores the dynamic relationship between dance and music. Set to the Bageshri raga and Ektali tala, Jay's performance showcases graceful, lyrical movements supported by complex rhythmic patterns. The dance features a playful interaction between the dancer, vocalist, percussion, and melodic instruments, creating a mesmerising tapestry of artistic expression.
Salvin Kumar is a multidisciplinary artist and author whose work is deeply rooted in his Fijian-Indian heritage and queer experiences. Born in Vitogo Village, Fiji, and now based in Gadigal Country in Australia, Salvin draws inspiration from his Tamil-speaking Girmitya ancestors and his personal journey. His creative output includes self-published children's books like the "Fiji-Baat" series, as well as illustrations that challenge societal norms around gender identity and sexuality. Through his art, Salvin aims to increase visibility and empower marginalised voices within his community.
Seema Mirpuri is a multifaceted artist whose work is driven by an innate desire to create and explore. Her artistic style, described as organic and tactile, draws inspiration from the world around her, often focusing on free-flowing forms and themes of self-discovery. With a diverse educational background spanning photography, jewellery making, product design, and ceramics, Seema brings a unique perspective to her craft. Although she has yet to exhibit publicly, her passion for artistic growth is evident in her future aspirations, which include delving deeper into ceramics, experimenting with glazing techniques, and pushing the boundaries of her creative expression.
Monica Sisodia is a versatile professional photographer with six years of experience, specialising in portraits, studio photography, food, lifestyle, fashion, and portfolio shots. Her journey began in her teens with a disposable camera, sparking a passion that has evolved into a successful career. Monica's work is characterised by its thematic approach and narrative structure, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to each image. Her impressive client list includes Manjits Wharf and Grand Bawarchi, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of diverse subjects through her creative vision and technical expertise.
Bhupen Thakker is a celebrated poet and performer known for his vibrant use of the colour light blue and his evocative poetry. His work has been featured in the glossy Artist Profile Magazine with his poem "A Gay Widower", and he has received top billing in the Poetry series by the Ramsay Centre of Western Civilisation. Bhupen's accolades include winning the NSW Poetry Sprint, being highly commended in the CJ Dennis awards, and being a three-time State Finalist in the Australian Poetry Slam. He also won the 2016 Australian Multilingual Slam. His blog post garnered 80,000 hits, ranking number 2 in the world. Bhupen has performed at prestigious venues such as the 2018 Sydney Biennale, Manly Art Gallery, and Gosford Regional Gallery and featured on ABC radio. By day, he works in international finance and is currently working on a novel titled "A New Gandhi, a New Monet and many others."
Mahesh White-Radhakrishnan (they/them) is a multifaceted artist of Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil heritage whose talents span singing, musicianship, songwriting, and composition. Their musical journey began with South Indian Carnatic singing, which led them to explore diverse traditions, including Irish sean-nós and various folk and contemporary genres. Mahesh's unique gender-fluid perspective informs their work as an artist and activist. Their exceptional musicianship has earned them prestigious recognitions, including the National Folk Fellowship and an ABC Top 5 Arts award, cementing their place as a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.
Zahra is a Muslim lesbian artist whose raw and evocative work emerges from her journey of healing and advocacy. As a creative professional and multimedia artist, she harnesses the power of spoken word and performing arts to challenge injustice and amplify marginalised voices. Zahra's writing serves as a cathartic release, weaving her fragmented identity into a powerful tapestry of resilience and strength. Her art is more than mere expression; it's a bold declaration of truth to power, reflecting her unique perspective and experiences.