Time and Tide, Wintersession 2020
A series depicting my relation with water, from the fear of it to an immersive interaction experience. All pictures are clicked on 35mm black & white film, developed and printed in the Darkroom.
I grew up asthamatic and had a tough time swimming and breathing in water. I captured my friend Mallika to visually depict my interaction with water in as simple a process as showering. The pictures depict my frustration and exhaustion with this repeated activity.
This past winter break, I had the opportunity to snorkel and dive, and explore the coral reefs and marine life of Andaman Islands. I was able to overcome my fear of being in water as the snorkeling gear helped me breathe underwater. When I dived into the unknown, and saw with my own eyes how the aquatic animals live together in this well-functioning ecosystem, there was a newfound respect and appreciation. I shot my friend Lauren to pose and dance along the swans, depicting the subtle interaction and appreciation for the water. Owning up space and conquering the fear are what the poetic poses hope to portray.
Kali, Fall 2017
Background
For the prompt 'memory', I reflected on my childhood experiences of being dark-skinned in a society that preached the lighter skin tone. The constant nagging of my neighbours who asked me to stop playing in the sun as I’ll get more tanned, accompanied with ‘fair and lovely’ (a fairness cream in India) commercials instilled countless insecurities in me. One time in 5th grade, a boy from my class shouted at me: “You’re so dark that you look like Kalimaa". What he meant was that he found my dark complexion ugly and scary. His statement disturbed me for years, and it wasn’t until recently that I started viewing my skin differently.
Assignment
Upon researching, I found out that Goddess Kali (काली: meaning ‘black or dark-coloured one’’) is a feminist icon and a symbol of courage in the Hindu mythology. She is the destroyer of evil forces and an epitome of shakti – strength, power, and energy.
In order to visually present my anger that stemmed from a childhood memory of being bullied because of my darker skin shade, I dressed up as the Indian Goddess Kali. In the act, I perform her traditional dance and strike her most common pose - her fearsome guise as the slayer of demons with a lolling tongue which represents freedom from human-perceived constraints. The look is accessorised with golden jewellery, trishul, sword, shell and a bowl filled with blood.
In the midst of the religious chant 'Jai Kali maa' (Victory to the Goddess), I narrate Priyal Thakkar's poem titled 'Polite Folk' which for years has helped me regain confidence in my natural skin colour.