Art
Meet Krishna Chandran, The Artist Who Is Creating Quirky Indian Portraits
Drawing satirical sketches of Indian portraits combined with witty backstories, Krishna Chandran A. Nair, a Kerala-born artist, based out of Paris, is splitting our sides with laughter through his extraordinary pieces of art
Text credits: Lakshmi Priya
Take a moment to recall if you have come across any of these people in your life – a maid who thinks it’s fine to steal once in a while, a beautician boasting about her inexplicable talent of creating beauty wonders on women, an artist at a tea shop who blabbers about the socio-political scenario of the country (even if he doesn’t have any idea about it). You might be nodding a ‘yes’ as these are some of the people we encounter each day. Krishna Chandran A. Nair – artist, director, and animator from Kerala, currently based out of Paris with his canvas and oil pastels, is creating sarcastic yet relatable Indian portraits of these everyday faces on Instagram. As a topping for his creativity, his witty and hilariously cooked up backstories can make anyone’s stomach hurt with laughter.
In the process of sculpting an artist in Krishna, his family’s role was the most significant. He grew up in an environment where he was always encouraged to draw. “My father got me my first set of crayons and my mother saved all my random scribbles from then”, he says. Later, Krishna was enrolled in drawing classes where he learnt to use watercolours. “I used to love getting lost in my thoughts while sketching. During my childhood, I participated in painting competitions in which I was not able to complete most of the creations on time because I would get extremely engrossed in drawing”.
In school, Krishna unintentionally learnt to use drawing as a tool to focus when he became restless. “During my English and Hindi classes, I drew small illustrations by the side of the textbooks like flipbook animations for the stories that the teacher read out. Later on, I started carving characters and objects out of chalks,” he says. Krishna went on to pursue Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, after which he specialised in Animation Film Direction at La Poudrière in France.
As Krishna started making films, he drew mostly for the projects that he was working on and almost forgot to draw mindlessly. So in an attempt to get back to doing something he enjoyed, Krishna started an Instagram series of Indian portraits. He started sketching random characters and cooked up stories right before putting them up on Instagram. He believes that the mind can surprise with new ideas when you let it wander. So he makes sure to draw with an empty mind, letting his thoughts wander as he scribbles and sees where it takes him. Most of the times, familiar faces come to his mind while the characters are evolving and he tries to incorporate those elements into his sketches. “I had fun doing this and it became a regular exercise. Being away from home you miss a lot of things, strangely including their imperfections. So these characters with their imperfections also became a way of staying in touch with my background,” he says.
Apart from Krishna’s witty sketches, the backstories of each portrait promise a dose of laughter. It is Krishna’s father K C Anilkumar who writes quirky and funny Malayalam stories based on the people he has encountered who influenced him to create humorous stories. Most of the tales Krishna formulates are informal and a way of expressing things that bother him and he feels sarcasm is a great tool to express it. As animation uses a lot of overstatement, Krishna tends to use the same in his accounts. “I try and push the level of exaggeration as much as possible to a great extent like one of my characters Kanakam, a house helper who has a habit of stealing ends up robbing her house owner’s son mistaking him for a pressure cooker. Everyone can relate to these sketches easily because the portraits look familiar and the stories easily relatable.”
The cartoons that came on Doordarshan, Cartoon Network, and Disney movies, and their VHS tapes/ CDs had a great influence in growing Krishna’s interest and ambition to be an animation filmmaker. He was also exposed to animation movies from Japan and European countries at NID. The works of Japanese studio 4°C, movies by Sylvain Chomet and animations by Glen Keane and Richard Williams have also inspired him. Closer home, Sekhar Mukherjee, his mentor at NID and Vaibhav Kumaresh whom he interned with was of great support to Krishna. The Malayalam films he grew up watching as well as the recent movies also motivate him to tell memorable anecdotes.
Currently, Krishna is working as the first assistant director on a series at a studio in Paris. Meanwhile, he is also developing his next short film which is his first attempt at a dark theme about a traumatic experience of a child in Kerala.
Art
The Microscopic Handbag Phenomenon: MSCHF’s Bold and Tiny Louis Vuitton Creation
In the realm of fashion, innovation knows no bounds, and the boundary-pushing collective known as MSCHF constantly proves this point. Their latest creation, a microscopic handbag inspired by Louis Vuitton, has taken the industry by storm, captivating fashion enthusiasts around the globe. Breaking free from traditional size constraints and redefining functionality, this miniature accessory has ignited curiosity and sparked a sensation. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary world of MSCHF’s microscopic handbag, exploring its origins, unique features, and the remarkable buzz it has generated.
MSCHF, renowned for their unconventional and thought-provoking projects, partnered with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to unleash a game-changing collaboration. Together, they birthed a surprising twist on the classic handbag, pushing the boundaries of scale to an entirely new level. The microscopic handbag challenges the norm and introduces an audacious new concept.
Measuring a mere 1.5 inches in height, the microscopic handbag is a masterpiece of miniaturization. This whimsical accessory captures the essence of a traditional Louis Vuitton purse, complete with the iconic monogram pattern and signature leather trim. Despite its minuscule size, it exudes luxury and craftsmanship, embodying the brand’s prestige and aesthetic.
The MSCHF microscopic handbag represents a captivating fusion of fashion and art. It blurs the lines between these creative realms and prompts us to question our perception of material possessions. Through this micro-sized wonder, MSCHF challenges our understanding of fashion’s role in society and invites us to contemplate the value we attach to material goods.
Since its introduction, the microscopic handbag has caused a viral sensation across social media platforms. Its diminutive size and unexpected collaboration have captivated fashion enthusiasts and sparked intriguing discussions. This extraordinary creation serves as a catalyst for conversations about fashion trends, the power of satire in design, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Once again, MSCHF has successfully captured the attention of the fashion world, pushing boundaries and reshaping our perception of what is considered fashionable.
MSCHF has cemented its legacy as a disruptive force in the fashion and art realms. Their innovative and thought-provoking projects consistently challenge norms and captivate audiences. With the microscopic handbag, they have once again showcased their ability to generate intrigue, spark conversations, and inspire wonder within the industry.
In conclusion, the MSCHF microscopic handbag stands as a testament to bold creativity and audacity in the world of fashion. Its tiny size and unexpected collaboration with Louis Vuitton have shattered conventional handbag design and ignited curiosity on a global scale. This extraordinary creation not only exemplifies the artistry and innovation of MSCHF but also invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of fashion and its profound impact on our collective imagination. As we eagerly anticipate MSCHF’s next groundbreaking venture, one thing is certain: they will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion.
Art
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Extravagant Airport Lounge: A Luxurious Layover Experience
Louis Vuitton, the iconic luxury fashion brand, has ventured into a new and unprecedented realm by opening an airport lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. Known as the “Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno,” this unique space caters to first or business class guests traveling with Qatar Airways or those belonging to the Louis Vuitton clientele.
Helmed by renowned three-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno, the lounge offers a gastronomic experience like no other. Guests can indulge in Parisian viennoiseries, smoked fish platters with caviar, tea sandwiches stamped with Vuitton’s fleur monogram, and a range of exquisite dishes such as langoustine carpaccio, yuzu-flavored confit lamb shoulder, and pilaf rice with dried fruit and spices. Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy expertly crafted cappuccinos with the iconic “LV” logo on the foam.
The Louis Vuitton Lounge is not only a culinary haven but also a visual delight. The space is adorned with designer furniture, including pieces from Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection. With India Mahdavi low tables, Paolo Lenti high tables, and Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler, the lounge exudes sophistication and elegance.
Upon entering the lounge, guests are greeted by a lush jungle-like ambiance, with abundant greenery and Quetzal bird mobiles hanging overhead. Flanking the doors are stacks of Louis Vuitton trunks, paying homage to the brand’s heritage and travel legacy. The intention behind the design is to create a welcoming environment that transcends time, ensuring all travelers feel at ease during their visit.
This innovative venture by Louis Vuitton comes at a time when airport lounges are often viewed as functional spaces rather than glamorous destinations. Hamad International Airport, known for its exceptional shopping experience, is ranked as the second-best airport in the world. As the hub for Qatar Airways, which has been consistently ranked as the world’s best airline, the airport attracts millions of travelers each year. The Louis Vuitton Lounge revives the glamour and allure of air travel, providing a luxurious layover experience that leaves a lasting impression.
With this audacious collaboration between fashion and aviation, Louis Vuitton is redefining luxury and hospitality. The lounge sets a new standard for travel experiences, where fashion, gastronomy, and design seamlessly intertwine. As airports evolve, this collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of travel, where each moment is curated to delight and inspire discerning globetrotters. The Louis Vuitton Lounge at Hamad International Airport represents the art of travel, symbolizing the enchantment that awaits modern travelers seeking a truly extraordinary journey.
Art
Summer Nails Sizzle: The Hottest Trends for Your Next Mani-Pedi
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new nail trends and colors, so why not try something bold and beautiful? This season’s nail trends are all about bright hues, playful patterns, and statement-making designs. Here are some of the top nail trends to try this summer.
1. Neon Colors
One of the biggest nail trends this summer is neon colors. From electric green to bright pink, these bold hues will add a pop of color to any outfit. Go for a full set of neon nails or add a pop of color to your favorite neutral shade.
2. Negative Space Nails
Negative space nails are a trend that’s been around for a while, but this summer it’s all about getting creative with your designs. Try a geometric pattern or a cute little fruit design for a playful and fun look.
3. Glitter and Sparkle
Summer is all about shimmer and shine, so it’s no surprise that glitter and sparkle are hot nail trends this season. Add some sparkle to your nails with a glitter topcoat or go all out with a full set of glitter nails.
4. Pastel Hues
Pastel hues are always popular in the summertime, and this year is no exception. Soft shades of lavender, peach, and baby blue are perfect for a subtle and sweet look.
5. Floral Designs
Floral designs are always in style, but they’re especially popular in the summer. From dainty little flowers to bold and colorful floral patterns, there are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your nail art.
6. Tie-Dye
Tie-dye is a trend that’s been making a comeback in fashion and beauty, and it’s the perfect way to add some retro vibes to your summer nail look. Try a rainbow tie-dye design or go for a more subdued look with a few pastel shades.
7. Animal Prints
Animal prints are another trend that’s been around for a while, but this summer it’s all about bold and bright colors. Leopard, zebra, and snake prints are all popular choices, and they’re the perfect way to add a little bit of edge to your summer nail look.
There you have it, some of the hottest nail trends to try this summer. Whether you prefer bold and bright colors or subtle pastel shades, there’s a trend for everyone. So why not experiment with some new nail art and make a statement this season?
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