This multimodal installation explores the lived experiences of the indigenous Koli fishing community at a jetty in Chimbai village, Mumbai. Tracing their origins to the twelfth century, the Kolis have long been considered the backbone of Mumbai’s maritime history, emblematic of coastal living, traditional methods of fishing and sustainable practices. Serving as both a conduit to the ocean and a gateway to the Chimbai village, the jetty becomes a focal point during a period of transition precipitated by ecological changes and the development of a major coastal road linking the north and south of the city along its western shoreline. These developments place the Kolis in a liminal position, caught between preserving their ancestral practices and adapting to the demands of shifting coastal landscapes.
Drawing from selected audiovisual footage and stills from my upcoming ethnographic film Chimbaikar, this installation documents key activities at the Chimbai jetty and presents reflections on the future. By framing the jetty as a vital yet vulnerable site of labour and connection, Living on the Edge contributes to broader discussions on urban change, environmental sustainability, and the significance of shared spaces in the Anthropocene.
Project Dimensions and Technical Specificities: The display will feature a 5-minute looping video (selected footage includes a Koli song performed at the jetty and ethnographic interviews), supplemented by 10–15 high-quality photographs printed for a gallery-style exhibit. Required equipment includes a screen, sound system, display panels.
Sarica Robyn is a visual anthropologist and filmmaker whose work centers on communities experiencing moments of crisis. Her research explores issues of identity, belonging and the politics of urban development and change. Her PhD in Anthropology at University College London examined visual practices within India’s Parsi (Zoroastrian) community and culminated in a photography exhibition she curated at one of Mumbai’s oldest galleries. She also holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics.
