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Nilanjana Nandy’s Studio At Pepper House Is Open For Public Till August 5

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Artwork should trigger creative thought, says Delhi-based Artist Nilanjana Nandy.  A rather jarring sight stares you in the face as you step into the Pepper House Library at Fort Kochi: every book and DVD is covered in newspaper. The wrapping creates a mesmerizing visual effect

Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran 

Finding an explanation for this puzzlement can be difficult for visitors to the library, a space that hosts a large and varied collection of books and videos for public use.The person to question is Nilanjana Nandy, a Delhi-based artist and art educator, who has been creating artwork for the past two months in Pepper House as part of a residency programme organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. Her performative intervention Cover – Uncover, as seen in the Library, is part of the body of work produced during her time in Kochi.

“An artwork should trigger creative thoughts,” observes the artist, who is an alumna of the College of Art, New Delhi and M S University, Baroda.

When Nilanjana came to Kochi for her project, she began frequenting nearby reading spaces, noticing how each ‘Vayanashala’ (public reading room) would offer a particular selection of newspapers based on political patronage, thus promoting a tailored set of ideologies within a supposedly communal space.

“That was the trigger point,” reveals the artist. “That’s how the concept of ‘library intervention’ came into my mind. I started thinking what happens if this accessibility to information and knowledge is thwarted. Here, what is happening is mere ‘imposition’. That’s how I proposed this intervention.” Until the end of her residency period, all the covers of books and the DVDs in the Pepper House library are hidden by a newspaper wrapping. Nandy believes it can push viewers to reconsider access to information and public knowledge, which they may take for granted in their daily lives.

Nilanjana says when people go to this famous library; they may know that it is intended as a study space for those interested in arts and architecture.  “An element of ‘predictability’ is always there. What happens when there’s illegibility or a barrier to that?” she asks.

Such circumstances will force some to think about what exactly is shaping their thoughts, she elaborates. “But processing happens at different levels. What comes first is one’s immediate view of that visual. However, how one experiences it might not be always visual — people come with their own baggage, and that influences how they decode what they see,” she expounds.

‘Gender imbalance’ is another prominent issue Nandy addresses through her other project Reading Rooms “When I frequented the libraries, I could hardly see women spending their time there. It’s a nice collective space for reading, a community space where everyone can come together and, surprisingly, there are no girls or women. So I used to spend some time there. People can ask if there is any big deal in it. But I believe, by inhabiting this place for about 30 to 40 minutes, I am just being ‘visible’ and there exists a power of visibility,” she says.

About the need for artwork to be politically engaged, she says there should not be any obstinacy that an artist should stick with a particular school of thought. “I understand the standpoints. But why should it put you in a quagmire that you have to be either there or here. Why can’t you be somewhere where you can say a few other things too. I want to say things based on my experiences.”

About the installation project in her Pepper House studio, Alice in a Room of One’s Own, she says “My exhibition here is a collection of the instinctive works I have created in my time here. I have not dwelled as much on the personal versus the public, it is more about the mental space. When a viewer is in the room, one may encounter a few things and may miss out on a few. Any instinctive perusal of the space is welcome and then there is a surprise encounter. It is also about how a spectator will decode, in that sense it’s a room of one’s own for everyone. There is an element of fantasy in some of the drawings, and also just memory from my walks.”

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Love in Simplicity: Aditi and Siddharth’s Ethereal Wedding Day

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When celebrities tie the knot, their weddings are often surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement. Strict ‘no-photo’ policies, tight security, and exclusive press appearances keep much of the event under wraps, but fans always sense when something special is happening. So when we scrolled through Instagram today and stumbled upon the wedding photos of actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, it was a delightful surprise that instantly brought a smile to our faces. Yes, the lovebirds have officially tied the knot, and their dreamy wedding pictures look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The most endearing aspect of Aditi and Siddharth’s wedding is the sheer simplicity that radiates an overwhelming sense of serenity and grace. The bride and groom looked ethereal as they exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones. The pure joy on their faces is simply contagious, making their day of love all the more heartwarming.

Aditi looks breathtakingly beautiful as a bride in her beige Sabyasachi saree, adorned with traditional gold jewelry that perfectly complements the intricate border of her wedding attire. Her handsome groom, Siddharth, keeps it classic in a white kurta pajama. The love between them is undeniable, and seeing the way Siddharth gazes at Aditi will make you wish for someone who looks at you with the same adoration.

We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds! Here’s to wishing Mrs. and Mr. Adu-Siddhu a lifetime filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.

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The VMA 2024 Red Carpet Looks

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The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet may not have the prestige of events like the Oscars or Cannes, but it has always delivered its own brand of unforgettable fashion drama. For decades, the VMAs have been a playground for bold and daring celebrity looks. Calling the event’s style “unconventional” is putting it mildly, as the red carpet has famously seen everything from sequin nipple pasties to dresses made entirely of meat.

This year was no exception, with stars stepping out in their most provocative ensembles. The 2024 VMAs red carpet featured standout moments like Chappell Roan in custom Y/Project, Anitta in custom Dolce & Gabbana, and Lisa in vintage Mugler. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite fashion moments from the night.

Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers


Chappell Roan in Y/Project

Taylor Swift in Christian Dior, Stuart Weitzman, and Lorraine Schwartz

Tyla in Area

Megan Thee Stallion

Camila Cabello

Alessandra Ambrosio

Lil Nas X

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

Tate McRae

The Kid Laroi

Tinashe in Rick Owens

Addison Rae in Miss Claire Sullvian

Margaret Qualley in Chanel and Jack Antonoff

Shawn Mendes

Suki Waterhouse in Dolce & Gabbana

Nicky Rothschild

Paris Hilton

Halle Bailey

Halsey

Anitta

Alejandra Espinoza

Le Sserafim

Laura Whitmore

DJ Khaled

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