Metta Pracrutti is an informal group of artists that came together on the occasion of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo to collectively develop a project that reflects on the sociocultural and political dynamics shaping the experiences of marginalized communities.

Although the Indian Constitution officially abolished the caste system and untouchability in 1950, caste remains a significant force in Indian society. Despite this legal framework, social practices and cultural norms continue to perpetuate caste-based discrimination, influencing social interactions, marriage practices, and access to resources. This exclusion extends beyond the social sphere and includes collective punishments, such as restricted access to water and the systematic imposition of labor considered degrading. Oppression is enforced without justification, becoming a crime without guilt. True freedom, therefore, cannot be achieved without dismantling the religious foundations that uphold the caste system. Legal freedom can only become meaningful when accompanied by social and cultural liberation, enabling Dalits to live without discrimination.

The project’s title, Monsoon (2025), refers to the seasonal winds that alternate between rainy and dry periods in tropical and subtropical regions. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the intense yet interconnected shifts that affect these realities. The group challenges the sociopolitical structures of segregation in India while embracing diverse artistic forms to promote a holistic view of the lived experiences of various communities.

Through works by distinct artists, Monsoon explores themes such as identity, resistance, and power relations. The variety of media – including videos, woodcuts, embroidery, installations, and paintings – reflects both the individuality of each artist and the unity of a collective movement advocating for social justice and human rights. Each piece carries a history of resistance against exclusion and is situated within a broader context of questioning social and cultural norms. The metaphor of the monsoon, evoking the alternation between intensity and calm, also mirrors the experience of these communities, who, though subjected to cycles of oppression, continue to demonstrate unwavering resilience.

The group is composed of: Abin Sreedharan K P, Bhushan Dilip Bhombale, Kumari Ranjeeta, Malvika Raj, Mayuri Madhu Chari, Mohammed Mukhtar Abdul Rauf Kazi, Parag Kashinath Tandel, Prabhakar Kamble, Rajyashri Rose Goody, Ruivah Shimray Zamthingla, Sagar Kamble, Somnath Baburao Waghamare, Sreeju Radhakrishnan, Tejswini Narayan Sonawane, and Vikrant Vishwas Bhise.