Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking new photography exhibition, Being Untouchable, by Marcus Perkins. The exhibition presents a rare and intimate series of portraits of the lives of Indian Dalits, formerly known as "untouchables".
Being Untouchable will be open for public view from 18-23 October at HOST Gallery, London. A press viewing on 18 October will be addressed by acclaimed Dalit poet and scholar, Meena Kandasamy, and award-winning publisher of anti-caste literature, S. Anand.
CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "India's Dalits – one in forty of the world's population – are a people whose history reverberates with oppression, exploitation and injustice because of their status as the lowest caste group. The impact of casteism is felt in many ways, and connected with almost all human rights concerns in India. Supporting the cry of India's Dalits in all religious communities for social justice, is one of the pressing needs of our times.
"Being Untouchable is a moving and hard-hitting collection which exposes the present-day impact of centuries of oppression, and is a means by which we will urge foreign political and business leaders to promote an end to casteism through their interactions with India."
"We are delighted to welcome in Meena and Anand two fresh, cutting-edge and highly-regarded campaigners against casteism, each of whom brings unique experience of using the arts as a vehicle of protest against caste. The voices of those they represent should resonate around the world".
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.
CSW is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.
Notes to Editors:
1. Visit http://www.csw.org.uk/events for more information.
2. Marcus Perkins (http://www.marcusperkins.co.uk) has covered documentary, corporate and commercial photography assignments in over 90 countries, and is best known for his work on humanitarian and human rights issues.
3. HOST Gallery (http://www.foto8.com/new/on-display/host-exhibitions) is at 1-5 Honduras Street, London EC1Y 0TH, near Barbican, Moorgate and Old Street tube stations. It is open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, and 11am-4pm Saturday.