Installation
18/11/2023
DEPLACEMENT OF EXISTENCE(2022) Plywood Cutouts over the mirror, 36x 7 feet
Migration is not just a physical displacement of people from one place to another. It is a social, cultural and political activity that involves a displacement of traditions, culture, memories and identity. The pandemic and the subsequent lockdown witnessed the internal migration of labourers all across India, carrying their hopes and desire to survive. The migration of labourers can be identified as an instance of humankind’s perseverance and yearning to live. Homeland is what one carry within oneself. It is a part of human life and memory. Longing for the homeland is one of the painful chapters in the history of humankind. It is also an episode that narrates determination and hope. In a multicultural society like India, migration becomes a complex subject. Migration is a contemporary reality where plight and resistance of common people can be seen. My work thus, tries to trace the socio-political and cultural scenario of contemporary society. It attempts to reflect the struggle, resistance and hope of the common man, especially the working class and women during the pandemic. The work tries to reflect the multicultural Indian society with motifs painted in vibrant colours. The colour theme of the work symbolizes the hope for a better future. The work indicates the hope of people amidst the pandemic. The seed of the work emerged from my feelings connected with memories of the Hyderabad city in India. As a student, I had to come back to my hometown in Kerala during the pandemic. It was at the same time, many people including migrant workers and students had to flee to their hometown with insecurities and hopes. We see similar plight in Ukraine today. People are migrating from the horrors of war with their hopes and willpower to survive. During the lockdown, the sight of migrant workers barefoot in the streets was a heart breaking one. Movement is a prominent motif in this work. The images of people travelling in bicycle and rickshaw are symbols of movement towards a better life. In this work movement is not only a geographical displacement, instead it is a movement from troubles to a land of hope. Though the people were suffering terribly with pandemic and resultant unemployment, the humans have the urge to survive and walk towards light with hope. The colour and symbolism in this work represents the heterogeneous bricolage of culture, migration and the hope they carry. The dresses of the human figures in this work carries various images and symbols that reflect contemporaneity. The symbols such as QR code represents how the post covid scenario popularized these images. The images that reflect regional cultures such as Hydrabadi bangles, traditional vessels called Kindi et cetera are also added as prints in the dresses. Another image used is the logo of Hyundai which is connected with a childhood memory. During my schooling I received a t-shirt from Hyundai as a prize for a competition. I added this image as a symbol that kindled hope during my school days as an artist. This artwork uses an unconventional medium. Instead of a traditional medium like wood, the medium used in this work is plywood. My former works were carved in wood and later painted. However, in this work I have used plywood and carving is done for the detailing. The artwork is fixed on a mirror so that the viewers too can see themselves amidst the migrants. The work therefore will interact with the public. The mirror reflects the images of the viewers since the work of art conveys an idea that this is collective experience. This sort of an experience can happen to anyone in these kinds of unforeseen conditions like the pandemic. Contemporary art breaks the barrier between art, artist and the viewer. This work of art breaks with the idea of art as a sacred object kept aloof from the viewer. The reflection in the mirror is a part of the work of art. Therefore, this attains a realm of participatory art performance. Each viewer becomes a part of this work of art and makes the work dynamic. The art interacts with the public and gives an idea that migration is a collective human experience that we directly or indirectly confront.
Airborne Crossroads (2023) Variable, Acrylic on Wood with Mirror Surface
Guided by Leonardo da Vinci's visionary musings, my artistic journey delves into the profound realm of human flight. Da Vinci's collection of 500 sketches, born over five centuries ago, ignites the spark of possibility and fuels the fires of imagination with the dream of conquering the skies. Fuelled by his visionary spirit, my artistic pursuit seeks to transcend the confines of reality, delving into the realm of the hypothetical—a harmonious blend of the tangible and the ethereal. From this inspiration emerges 'Airborne Crossroads,' intricately woven from the fabric of my personal narrative. At the heart of this tapestry stands my trailblazing paternal aunt, whose legacy thrives within the ranks of Kuwait Airways. Her journey, marked by both triumphs and hurdles, has been a beacon of inspiration. The miniature aircraft models she gifted me became tokens that ignited my lifelong fascination with flight, intertwining her individual odyssey with the broader narrative of migration. Her transformation into an immigrant solidified my empathy for the intricate journeys undertaken by migrants. My own journey into the realm of flight began with the melodies of airplanes soaring above my rooftop. A cherished gift from my aunt—a metal white airplane—became the vessel that carried my dreams. The enchanting world of 'Noddy' cartoons deepened my fascination, and in high school, crafting a PSLV rocket from cardboard further ignited my creativity. As my path merged with Design teaching role, the library of Engineering college opened doors to the intricacies of aviation . Migration, a timeless theme, is etched into human history. The allure of flight, a perennial dream, is woven into ancient cave walls and mythical tales of celestial beings astride majestic avian creatures. These echoes remind us of the profound human desire to explore beyond horizons, driven by ecological shifts and the pursuit of new opportunities. In today's world, the youth traverse oceans and skies, driven by aspirations for a brighter future in foreign lands. 'Airborne Crossroads' stands as a tribute to their stories—filled with trials, victories, and the rich tapestries of diverse cultures. Migration unites societies, and the narratives etched onto my flight embody this shared essence. Beyond its tangible form, 'Airborne Crossroads' bridges history and dreams, connecting the material with the celestial. Through intricate carvings, it honors the transformative journeys of migrants, carrying their heritage through the vast skies. Just as da Vinci envisioned, having tasted the allure of flight, my gaze remains steadfastly skyward, forever tethered to the boundless heavens of dreams and migrations
