Performances
Visual Vernacular
The Visual Vernacular performance, curated by Dr Alim Chandani, is in conjunction with our new exhibition Ticket Tika Chaap: The Art of the Trademark in Indo-British Textile Trade.
Visual Vernacular (VV) is a dynamic form of visual storytelling used in deaf culture. It involves expressive body movements, and facial expressions to convey complex narratives and emotions, emphasizing dramatic and artistic elements. Unlike traditional sign language, which focuses on factual communication, VV creates vivid, engaging, and multi-dimensional stories.
VV serves as a powerful cultural bridge for both deaf and hearing people, making it a valuable artistic and educational tool. For deaf audiences, it connects deeply with the visual nature of their language and culture. For hearing audiences, it introduces them to the expressive potential of visual communication. It is a means of highlighting the richness of Deaf performance art and offers a deeper understanding of how visual information can be effectively communicated without spoken language.
Join us for this unique and captivating performance to experience the power of Visual Vernacular firsthand.
Image Credits: Ashwin Babu
Bookings
Dr. Alim Chandani
Dr. Alim Chandani is a social entrepreneur who launched Freedom to Sign™, a social business that promotes Indian Sign Language and supports Deaf artists. Passionate about art and inclusion, Alim is dedicated to creating opportunities for Deaf artists and performers, while showing the Deaf community worldwide that “impossible dreams can become possible.”
He holds a PhD in Special Education Management from Gallaudet University and has extensive experience in international development, focusing on people with disabilities. Currently, he works as a Consultant for Hear a Million, an Initiative of EnAble India.
Benin George Varghese
Benin, the Team Lead of Orjet Foundation and a Deaf performer from Kerala, graduated with B.Sc from NISH. He grew up loving cartoon animations and storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered international Visual Vernacular (VV) videos, which inspired him to channel his creativity into professional VV performances, motivating others through his techniques
Soham Gaikwad
Soham, born into a Deaf family, is a Deaf performer currently studying for his undergraduate degree. Inspired by Benin, his teacher at Orjet Foundation, he has grown into a talented Visual Vernacular (VV) performer, showcasing his creativity through expressive performances.
Amaldev P R
Amaldev, a Deaf artist from Kerala and BFA graduate from NISH, found his passion for Visual Vernacular (VV) by chance. From humble beginnings, he transformed into a professional VV performer, showcasing the beauty of Deaf culture through his artistry.
Deepak C K
Deepak C K, a Deaf performer from a Deaf family, graduated with B.Sc from NISH and admired VV performances. After facing challenges in expressing himself, he finally attended a training session that launched him into the world of Visual Vernacular (VV) performance, allowing him to share his unique stories.
