Chariots of Frolic

Sameer Raichur's showcase Chariots of frolic was supported by the Forum art gallery residency in association with the Chennai Photo Biennale, 2019. The residency culminated in a month long exhibition at the Forum Art Gallery, Chennai that ran the length of the Chennai photo biennale. 'Chariots of frolic' depicts indigenously designed and fabricated wedding chariots found in Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu. The chariots are hired on the night of a wedding reception to have the bride and groom driven around town to announce their betrothal. The extended families usually walk along with the chariots in a procession designed to convey the families' wealth and social status. The chariots illustrate the kitsch, pomp and fanfare that accompany Indian weddings.