Chorus (2017) and other works

Overview

Reena Saini Kallat’s practice examines ongoing civilisational affinities of language, culture, trade and technology that transcend the superficial divisions of nation-state boundaries. Chorus (2017), Chorus I (2015–2019) and Chorus II (2015–2019) are sculptures modelled after pre-radar devices employed as early warning systems during World War II to detect the engine sounds of enemy aircraft. The artist replaces the war soundscape with the song of the ‘national’ birds of neighbouring nation-states with hostile, turbulent histories (Israel-Palestine, UK- Ireland, India-Pakistan and USA- Mexico). Singing in unison, the birds resist their appropriation as symbols of singular national affiliation.