Born and raised in the serene village of Tirbin in Arunachal Pradesh, acclaimed fashion designer Jenjum Gadi has profoundly captured the essence of his childhood memories through his debut art exhibition, Apase. Translating to ‘assorted fruits’ in Gadi’s native Gato dialect, the exhibition vividly brings to life the idyllic landscape of his upbringing.
Growing up in the 1980s, Gadi’s early years were punctuated by a host of outdoor adventures. With limited access to conventional entertainment, his childhood pastime involved climbing trees, swimming in rivers, and exploring the lush mountains. These natural experiences not only shaped his youth but also profoundly influenced his creative endeavors. Apase stands as a testament to these cherished memories, transforming them into tangible works of art.
Every household in Gadi’s village boasted a garden, a verdant space primarily utilized for cultivating vegetables and fruits rather than flowers. Gadi’s mother, a diligent farmer, has made a life of nurturing her garden, planting every single seed with care. “Spending time there has deeply impacted my creative ventures, and this intimate bond with nature reflects in my designs. Apase is my effort to revisit those memories and give them a physical form,” Gadi elaborates.
The exhibition, staged at Bikaner House’s Vayu, features a captivating collection of 16 three-dimensional fruit models, all meticulously crafted in solid brass. Each piece, ranging from pineapples to pumpkins, mirrors the fruits and vegetables that flourish in Gadi’s mother’s garden. The centerpiece, a magnificent 12 x 44 inch banana bunch, draws the eye with its grandeur. Smaller clusters of fruits, including papayas, lemons, jackfruits, and pomegranates, exude a humble yet regal charm. This vivid display is enveloped by the refreshing scent of jasmine flowers, enhancing the overall jardin experience.
The journey from concept to creation saw Gadi exploring different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, discovering local artisans adept at traditional brass craftsmanship. Small villages like Rupa provided insights into techniques employed in crafting brass items for Tibetan monasteries. His exploration extended to Tawang, the state’s westernmost region, home to Asia’s second-largest Buddhist monastery.
. This pilgrimage inspired Gadi to utilize real fruits as moulds, immortalizing them in brass.
In his Delhi residence, Gadi has maintained his connection to nature by growing a variety of fruits, including mangoes, papayas, avocados, custard apples, bananas, and lemons. His favorite remains the orange, a fruit that holds a special place in his memory. “Orange trees are quite thorny, but the older they grow, the thorns reduce. I remember plucking oranges during my childhood, a joy that far outweighed the occasional prick from the thorns,” he recalls fondly.
Gadi is one of the rare creatives shedding light on the Northeast’s richly diverse culture. Through his multifaceted talents encompassing fashion designing, art, and even acting, he has sparked vital conversations about life in the region, addressing topics ranging from cuisine and culture to more sensitive issues like racism and discrimination. Despite the strides made, Gadi emphasizes that the Northeast demands further representation in the art scene.
“The process is gradual, but there’s a definite beginning, which is encouraging,” Gadi notes. He recognizes fellow artist Chandan Bez Baruah, a gifted printmaker who is also passionate about narrating the Northeast’s story through his work. Gadi acknowledges a burgeoning wave of young artists, citing the importance of showcasing and chronicling the region’s vibrant culture and people creatively.
While Gadi’s talents span various domains, his candor about his foray into acting reveals a humble side. Despite being considered for a leading role in the 2019 comedy-drama Axone directed by Nicholas Kharkongor, Gadi laughs off the idea of returning to the big screen anytime soon. “I was so shy and not very good at my audition that even though they wanted to cast me, it didn’t happen. Acting is not on the horizon for now,” he admits.
For now, Apase remains on display at Bikaner House, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lush, fruitful gardens of Arunachal Pradesh. Through his art, Jenjum Gadi has managed to not just celebrate his heritage but also invite the world to partake in the scenic and sensory delight of his roots.
In doing so, Gadi continues to bridge cultures and generations, turning personal memories into universal experiences, and solidifying his role as a pivotal cultural ambassador for the Northeast.
