A Forest in the City

A FOREST IN THE CITY

of cultures and identities. Yet, within this urban expanse lie pockets of lush

breathing spaces amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. A Forest in the City, held

enclaves, which were brought to life through an immersive exploration created in collaboration with the forest’s own inhabitants.

This exhibition, based on a three-year research project by the Kamla Raheja

Samiti, examined the interplay of environment, culture, and objects within these forest spaces. It showcased a diverse array of objects – from everyday artefacts of the forest communities to contemporary artworks, maps, and archival documents – prompting visitors to rethink conventional notions of

the forest’s geography, its inhabitants and their everyday lives. The second

music, letters, religious totems, and political banners, revealing the diverse and

A Forest in the City explored the lived experiences of

who depend on and protect these forests, while also highlighting the multiple ways in which their access to infrastructure and rights are systematically obstructed.

By drawing in the visitor, the exhibition sought to engage them by challenging dominant narratives of environmental preservation and sustainability, emphasising the key role of indigenous stewardship in the forest ecosystem.

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