Alana Hunt’s practice defies singular definition, blurring boundaries between disciplines in the process of making art, writing and curating. Her most comprehensive bodies of work have come about through long conversations – listening to and speaking – with the sounds and currents that emanate from Indian occupied Kashmir. This includes the lo-fi tactical media intervention Paper txt msgs from Kashmir (2009-2011), which responded to a ban on all pre-paid phones in the region. And the participatory memorial Cups of nun chai (2010-ongoing) that emerged from Kashmir’s Summer of 2010 when more than 100 people were killed by the state in pro-freedom protests. Through these works Alana engaged with journalists, teachers, former militants, mothers, army officers, religious scholars, authors, filmmakers, students, historians and activists among others. Between 2008-2010 Alana was based in New Delhi. Since 2011 she has lived in the remote east Kimberley region of western Australia. The dual contexts of South Asia and remote Australia teach Alana about the contemporary legacies of colonisation, the ambivalent nature of modernity and the fabric of community; themes that run through her work in quiet yet consistent ways. Through exhibitions, residencies, art awards, media, publications and conferences Alana’s work has circulated throughout Australia, South Asia, Europe and North America. Alana is currently sub-editor of un Magazine and will be launching a large scale media intervention with her work Cups of nun chai in mid-2016.
There was that familiar sweet salt air. I pulled my boots off once I settled and the rough marine carpet scuffed the souls of my feet.