Embracing something entirely new and outside my comfort zone has been a transformative experience. From the safe space created here, I've explored an art form I'd never heard of before. It's not like anything I've done – rooted in nature and primal expression. Initially uncomfortable, it's broken societal norms and brought out vulnerabilities. By day three, I cared less about appearances and more about the experience. This journey has sparked introspection and a stronger connection to people, nature, and my body. This serene environment has played a significant role in this profound shift

— Himanshi Allahabadi

This workshop has been an overwhelming experience for me. When I applied, I thought I knew what to expect, but being in Yuko's presence was a privilege and a joy beyond anticipation. The first day was intense, leaving me exhausted yet content. I discovered newfound movements and techniques, thanks to the exercises. It's amazing how much my body opened up in just three days. The camp, initially thought to be just four days, packed in more than I imagined. The women-only space allowed for a comfortable and safe environment, fostering openness. Connecting with nature, especially during the mud exercises, was unexpectedly liberating.

Beyond physical transformation, I've also found a new perspective on aesthetics. As an actor, I'm used to considering how I look on camera, but this workshop reminded me to connect with my inner self instead.

I'll need time to process everything after the camp ends, and I'm sad to see it conclude. It's truly been an incredible experience that's hard to put into words.

—Maitri Das

Participating in this workshop exclusively with women has been an amazing experience. Personally, I love it. I've been seeking spaces that embrace this ideology, understanding the importance of a women-centric group. Many societal barriers make us hesitate, but here, I feel a strong sense of safety and security among women. It allows me to express myself more freely, to experiment without reservation. There's a profound sense of community and unity, free from the self-consciousness that often arises in other settings. Here, I'm not preoccupied with how I present myself, speak, or move – unlike in society at large. It's a refreshing escape from those thoughts and allows me to just be.

The environment was incredibly immersive. Even when we're engaged in exercises within this space, it's like all external distractions disappear, leaving us to fully see, listen, feel, and sense everything around us. This has been a wonderful experience because it's opened my eyes to details I wouldn't usually notice, like ants or moss. I find fascination in these small things, almost like experiencing the world through the eyes of a child again. And it feels really gratifying. The interplay of the space, the performance, and the guidance from the teacher seamlessly blend together.

— Ahalya Shetty

My experience at The Art Farm was undoubtedly the most liberating, fluid, and fearless experience I have had in my physical body since succumbing to the limitations imposed by patriarchy and capitalism. “Guru” is a term I am cautious about using loosely, but I can confidently attribute it to the brilliant Yuko Kaseki. She was relentlessly generous in empowering us with her unwavering energy, unmatched flexibility, and unassuming wisdom. The sessions were facilitated by the strong and stunning Tinu Verghis, who provided a safe and sustainable sanctuary for us to share space, tears, fears, and desires with a wonderfully diverse group of women. It was a deeply cathartic and transformative experience.

— Mithila Hegde

Stepping into the first session at Tinu Verghis' Art Farm felt like entering a realm of serene sounds – crickets, rustling winds, laughter, cooking, and women's voices – all cocooned in safety.

This workshop provided a secure haven for women and femme-presenting individuals to explore bodily connections and nurture personal creative expression through Butoh movements. Led by Yuko Kaseki, a Berlin-based Butoh practitioner and contemporary dancer, the workshop's essence was play. Yuko's own playfulness contagiously infused the space, breaking inhibitions and sparking friendships among a diverse group of participants.

We represented various walks of life and disciplines, coming together to nourish creativity, body, and mind. Our days were interwoven with sumptuous organic meals harvested right from the farm. The program thoughtfully included a closing yoga or sharing session, ensuring we transitioned into a peaceful state after active engagement.

I was fortunate to access this workshop through a scholarship made available by Tinu during a time of need. The Butoh workshop at The Art Farm showcased the profound impact of individual and community support, offering an invaluable experience of understanding what genuine assistance means.

— Pami

The Art Farm experience is one of the best I’ve had in the last few years. I came in with little to no expectations, I wanted to have some new perspective for my art and The Art Farm helped me to see my work from a different point of view. Not only that, but also seeing how dedicated my mentors were with their life, their art is so inspiring. On day 5 we worked on the farm to make our lunch, we walked barefoot on the land, we kept our phone away for the whole day, that time I felt so connected to the land and myself. Overall it was an amazing experience that one shouldn’t miss at all.

— Murshita

It was quite an experience for me. I cannot comprehend what I was expecting when I landed there but now that I think about it, I have many things to recall. I will always cherish the fact that I was able to get involved in some of the most interesting and important conversations and sessions, that too with fellow artists. I got acquainted with different schools of thoughts. I felt comfortable with the space I was in. Giving out the final performance was quite nerve wrecking for me honestly, but I felt elated that day. I was able to let out so much that was inside of me. I shed happy tears too. Exercises that revolve around the concept of gaze can be one of those things for me that makes you think. It stirred me.

— Saumya Jain

Being part of this workshop was amazing to be honest. I was seeking intellectual intimacy and it was fulfilled not only mentally but also physically. It has left a deep impression on me, I'm thankful for what I've gained, learned and worked on.

— Vaidehi Sadiwala

I’ve had a very good experience at the farm. Being at the farm helped me grow a lot and adhere to a certain discipline. It also helped me face a lot of things, like my eating disorder. All in all I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to go to this farm. It helped me grow as a person a lot.

— Shreya Jasani

This was my first experience in community art, where I got to explore things I never could have thought of. My expectation was to open up my brain for new perspectives in terms of art. The participants, including me, were looking at art through our own personal lens. But somewhere down the line, we realized we were so engrossed in our art that we never had a thought of doing something collectively, as a group. That’s where The Art Farm played a huge role in getting us all out of that autopilot mode that we’ve been in. Our challenge was to break that pattern of life we’ve been living. From walking 40 mins every day to eating organic food at the farm, along with all the activities we did throughout those 5 days. And the bonus? A place filled with nature. It was truly a great experience, especially being away from the male gaze. I didn’t have to worry about how I looked in my body hair. I didn’t have to think twice before going inside the pool because of my body dysmorphia. If I felt like expressing my emotion, I knew I could because I was in a safe space. I have heard a change in the environment impacts our physical and mental health. And that's what happened for me, personally. I have to be honest, this is something I was waiting for. A change that would get me back to doing things I genuinely love doing. I learnt that working on one’s art isn’t easy, but we must keep moving and not give up. We have a choice. Every morning, we have an opportunity to invite a different perspective into our worlds. There won’t be perfect days all the time. People at The Art Farm have encouraged me to look at those opportunities even in those imperfect days. I realized I can take charge of my own creative journey by collaborating with like-minded people. I never knew a community like this existed out there for me. A community that wanted me to grow in my journey. And I’ll end my review with Tinu’s words that stayed with me. She said, ‘Don’t be afraid, give life a chance.’

— Neenu Vinod