HCMC – ‘Encounter’ Presents Nalini Malani

10 and 13 Dec 2013, 6 pm
Hoa Sen University

From the organizer:

You are invited to the presentation by world renowned artist Nalini Malani as the 4th speaker to take part in ‘Encounter’ – the lecture program as part of ‘Conscious Realities’.

The idea of ‘Global Parasites’ will be investigated through the presentation of Nalini Malani’s artwork and research.
First lecture:

Nalini will discuss her performance work, beginning with her documentary
CASSANDRA’S GIFT’

6PM Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Rm NZ0204 (2nd Floor)
Hoa Sen University, 8 Nguyen Van Trang Street, Ben Thanh, HCMc

Second lecture:

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

6PM Friday, 13 December 2013
Rm NZ0903 (9th Floor)
Hoa Sen University, 8 Nguyen Van Trang Street, W. Ben Thanh, District 1, HCMC

Nalini Malani’s proposal

‘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.’