As part of the community based exhibition, “Spelling T-A-M-A-R-A”, a conversation was held on ‘Folklore in Present-Tense’ at Ozone Cafe, Kohima November 1.
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 3
Drawing inspiration from the folktales of Makhel, known to be an ancestral place of Naga origin and departure, “Spelling T-A-M-A-R-A”, a community based exhibition was held on November 1 at Ozone Cafe, Kohima.
The unique Exhibition was an initiative of Arieno Kera, Art Practitioner and a fellow of the Himalayan Fellowship for Creative Practitioners 2025, supported by Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA) and Royal Enfield.
The word 'Tamara' translates as 'departure in Mao language and the exhibition invited audience “to look into the word departure as a conversation where it distinguishes itself by its connection to objects.”
In this context, the exhibition brought together objects that carry stories of departure, each marked by traces of memory and transition while reflecting on their relationships with these objects and how the interaction becomes integral to understand the act of leaving.
Spelling T-A-M-A-R-A Exhibition featured objects contributed by Apples, Lanuyanger Jamir, Loyievi Kennao, Manenjungla Aier, Miazielhoukho Vielie, Mughatoli Wotsa, Ovunthung Jungio, Pothungo Shitiri, Sentinaro Ponge, Vilhoukhono Kera, Vimetuonuo Tsürho and Zayievio Kielienyo.
Arieno Kera referred to Makhel as a place where “stones and trees stand as witnesses marking moments in the past, speaking into the present, and carrying their words into the future.”
‘Folklore in Present-Tense’
As part of the community based exhibition, “Spelling T-A-M-A-R-A”, a conversation was also held on ‘Folklore in Present-Tense’ exploring ways in which folklore continues to live and take shape in the present moment.
Speakers for the panel included Vishü Rita Krocha, Poet, Author, Journalist & Publisher, Adani Salew, Storyteller, Teachers & Village Elder, and Arieno Kera, Art Practitioner while the conversation was moderated by Mary Therese Kurkalang, Independent Arts Manager, Cultural Curator and Social Research.
The conversation explored what contemporary folklore looks like, and how folklore links us to communities of the past while also shaping our cultural expressions.
The speakers also deliberated on the role that folklore and tradition plays in the contemporary society, how it is reimagined and being created in the present and what they reveal about collective ways of remembering, belonging and storytelling.
The speakers further shared their experiences of storytelling through the mediums of oral narratives, writing and visual arts. Vishü Rita Krocha also read a few of her poems and excerpts from her short story titled, “A Grandmother's Tale”, highlighting narratives surrounding the themes of grief, loss and remembrance.
