Tejal Shah: Exploring Queer Ecologies Through Performance and Video
Tejal Shah (she/they), born in Bhilai City, Chhattisgarh, India in 1979, is a contemporary visual artist and curator whose work delves into profound questions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, ecological consciousness, and disability. Her artistic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Photography from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, followed by an exchange scholarship at The Art Institute of Chicago and culminating in an MFA program at Bard College where she ultimately did not graduate.
Early Influences: Shah's artistic sensibilities were shaped by a fascination with photography and film, alongside explorations into queer theory and ecopoetics—the poetic understanding of ecological relationships. This dual influence informs her approach to artmaking, prompting her to consider how visual representations can simultaneously interrogate social norms and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives. She draws inspiration from artists like Joseph Beuys and Pushpamala N., whose work similarly challenges conventions and engages in critical reflection on identity and culture.
Key Projects & Exhibitions: Her groundbreaking series, Hijra Fantasy, documented the experiences of hijras (Hindu transgender women) in Bangalore and Mumbai, highlighting marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. The project’s meticulous documentation combined photographic portraits with ethnographic research—demonstrating Shah's commitment to both artistic creativity and scholarly rigor. Notable exhibitions include ‘Global Feminisms’ at Brooklyn Museum, ‘India: Public Places/Private Spaces’ at Newark Museum, Documenta 13 in Kassel, Germany; ‘Everyone is an Artist: Cosmopolitan Exercises with Joseph Beuys’ at K20 Düsseldorf, Germany; and her inclusion in the Centre Pompidou collection. These presentations showcased Shah's ability to engage audiences across geographical boundaries—establishing her as a significant voice within the international art scene.
Notable Installations: Shah gained recognition for Between The Waves, a five-channel video installation created for Documenta 13 that explored surreal landscapes alongside two female figures adorned with horns—a deliberate reference to mythological symbolism and queer iconography. This ambitious project utilized immersive audiovisual techniques to evoke feelings of disorientation and wonder—challenging viewers to reconsider their assumptions about gender roles and ecological perception. The installation’s symbolic imagery underscored Shah's preoccupation with exploring the intersectionality of identity categories and environmental concerns.
Ongoing Artistic Practice: Currently residing in Goa, India, Shah continues to engage in research-based artistic practice centered on fostering dialogue about reality and consciousness through participatory gatherings, workshops, and retreats. Her work consistently interrogates societal norms and celebrates multiplicity over singularity—reflecting a deep engagement with social justice issues and a desire to promote inclusivity within artistic discourse. She utilizes diverse media—video, photography, performance, sound installation—to explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, and transformation—demonstrating her versatility as an artist and her commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Her ongoing projects aim to provoke contemplation on fundamental questions about human experience—illuminating the complexities of identity formation and fostering a deeper appreciation for ecological interdependence.
Technique & Conceptual Framework: Shah’s artistic practice is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail—combined with a willingness to experiment across mediums. She employs techniques rooted in ecopoetics—drawing inspiration from natural forms and processes—to examine how visual representations can communicate ideas about interconnectedness and transformation. Her use of video installation—particularly her exploration of surreal landscapes and symbolic imagery—reflects a fascination with challenging conventional perceptions of reality and fostering emotional engagement within viewers. Furthermore, Shah’s performances engage in ritualistic gestures and embodied explorations of identity—often incorporating queer performativity—to disrupt binary oppositions and promote critical reflection on social norms. Her conceptual framework prioritizes questioning assumptions about gender roles and exploring the relationship between human consciousness and ecological awareness—resulting in artworks that resonate powerfully with audiences globally.
