Opening: 13.12.2013 @6pm
Location: Hoa Sen University
8 Nguyen Van Trang, W. Ben Thanh
D. 1, HCMc

Nalini discuss the impact of research for ‘Global Parasite’ by unpacking subjects in her paintings

Nalini’s proposal for the topic:

In order to speak about Global Parasites, i would like to give an example from nature. There are certain families of wasps, that lay their eggs on or inside the living creatures like caterpillars that feed on spiders. Simultaneously the wasps inject the toxin into their victims which paralyses them but does not kill. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the living prey, consuming the non-vital parts like fat and digestive organs first, keeping the vital items like the heart and central nerve system for the very last in order to prolong the time for which their food remains fresh. We may try to consul ourselves that such gruesome behaviour is limited to the lower creatures. But an analogous process of draining the substance from human communities has been refined to a conscious built-in device for subsisting and prospering at the expense of others, leaving the prey depleted, exhausted and impoverished. The powerful parasitical and predatory culture of global capitalism has preyed across the world of the last few decades. In the process, it has sought to devour all other cultures and civilisations, expropriating their substance, draining their wealth in order that it makes itself grow and comfort and opulence. The toxin that is used to mentally paralyse its victims is acclaim of universality, unique validity and exclusiveness. At the same time, it has endeavoured to teach some of its victims the art of survival, in imitation of its own imperatives. These are the capitalist elites, the internal kind of parasites who prey on their own fellow species.

You can download an audio record of Nalini’s lecture here.

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Nalini Malani participates in ‘Encounter’, a lecture series which forms part of a large artistic endeavour called ‘Conscious Realities’, initiated and organized by San Art in partnership with Prince Claus Fund.