![]() ![]() “Incarnation Park” invited the public to participate in the mechanical functions that support the puppets, giving people the opportunity to use their own bodies to generate the grandiose motions usually seen from afar. The gym equipment engages with any user’s muscle memory through basic push and pull motions that tug on cables connected to different parts of the puppets: One machine turns the head and retracts the serpentine tongue of Narakasura (the rival of Lord Krishna), while another has the ten-headed demon king Ravana (of the Ramayana epic) doing squats. ![]() “Incarnation Park” had a viral moment last year when the Instagram account posted a reel of viewers using the gym equipment to manipulate the enormous puppets. From children to grandparents, anyone was invited to participate and show off their strength in this installation. The reel recently gained traction again last month when the sound it was using gained popularity. However, some were not pleased with Vernekar’s familiarizing of the Hindu avatars.Ī slew of religious fundamentalists, better known in India as Hindu nationalists, criticized Vernekar for turning the avatars “into toys to be played with.” Dozens of commenters demanded that the installation be taken down and banned immediately, stating that it was “disrespectful,” and “making fun” of Ravana and Sant (Saint) Tukaram Maharaj, the figure with a sitar seated on the flying eagle. Vernekar said the organizing committee of Serendipity Arts Festival suggested this type of backlash was possible before he began the project. “When these puppets are used during popular festivals, they are religion-oriented, so you cannot actually play with them,” he explained. “I have a good relationship with the community of artisans and somehow they believed in me. There were no issues with the feminine or masculine roles or anything, but you cannot fuck with the gods.” Negative comments on the reel calling for the removal of the installation (screenshots Rhea Nayyar/Hyperallergic) But it was the local fanatical groups that were upset with the way the gods were rendered in the gymming position. Vernekar changed his Instagram message settings to filter out negative comments for a while, but he was otherwise unfazed by the offended responses as the project was born out of childhood curiosity and a quest for accessibility. Opinion and reviews Find out whether you agree with our expert commentators.Careers Consider your career options with valuable advice and insightful case studies.People Meet the people behind the science.Events Plan the meetings and conferences you want to attend with our comprehensive events calendar.Blog Enjoy a more personal take on the key events in and around science.Analysis Discover the stories behind the headlines.Features Take a deeper look at the emerging trends and key issues within the global scientific community.News Stay informed about the latest developments that affect scientists in all parts of the world.Research updates Keep track of the most exciting research breakthroughs and technology innovations.Latest Explore all the latest news and information on Physics World.Vernekar, who works primarily with charcoal, said this was only the second time he has engaged with the public on this scale through his practice.
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