A litmus test requires a special dye to determine whether a substance is acidic (red) or basic (blue)—it is suggestive of being a determining factor between possibilities. Think of Neo in 'The Matrix' who faces a choice: the red pill, which would allow him to see the truth outside the illusion of the Matrix, or the blue pill, which would let him continue living in a comforting illusion.

This becomes a symbolic litmus test; a definitive moment of choice that would reveal deeper truths and determine Neo's future, treading parallels of illusion vs reality/ fate vs free will. This week, we place 'litmus' as a medium to read creative contexts, where choices are proffered and made: 'The Art of Balkrishna Doshi' is a significant publication indicating Doshi's parallel practice as an artist, to many who only know him as a celebrated modernist architect.

Emily Karaka, an artist of Maori descent from New Zealand presents 'Ka Awatea, A New Dawn', where, according to the show's curator, her canvases are not stuck in grievance or mine the past; they are indicative of hope, reconciliation and the future. In an interview, Kuwait & Bahrain-based studio Civil Architecture divulges the meaning behind its name and discusses the determining play between civility and un-civility in their practice.

Certain priorities are reflected across practices and dialogues of creative (and moral) choices. Is the here and now fulfilling, fruitful and enough; or is there a desire to seek unknown, greener pastures? If presented with such a litmus test, would you choose red or blue?