Art
Revisioning Narratives With Photo and Video Performance Artist Pushpamala N
In conversation with the renowned photo and video performance artist Pushpamala N on conceptualization, feminism and staying rooted in the present
Words: Fathima Abdul Kader Images: Pushpamala N.
There is a sense of comfort in familiarity. Pushpamala N, the modern Indian photo- and video-performance artist, sculptor, writer and curator, plays with this same sense of familiarity in the audience and flips it, stirring a sense of unsettling because her version of the images might not “look right” and initiates further reflection. Initially trained as a sculptor at MS University in Baroda, Pushpamala worked with terracotta and paper maiche in her initial works. Her later works attempted to use cheaper materials and even used paper. By the 90s, she started working with photography, and by the early 2000s, this extended to videos as well. Known for her photo-romances in which she places herself amidst images from popular culture, mythology, and history, Pushpamala creates witty and evocative images that brings to light the current social scenario.
You attempt to re-vision scenes that are familiar to the audience. What instance provoked this thought?
My work is an enquiry into present day society by using ‘cultural memory’ – all those things that I and others have experienced or are experiencing as part of a larger culture. I create narratives and scenes which may be familiar or unknown, but which connect to the memories, fantasies and lived experiences of people.
Why did you decide on this form of art?
I make different kinds of work. I am a trained sculptor and have a body of work in sculpture that has won many awards and has been very influential. Besides my work in photography, I make short films and video installations. I also write, curate, speak , organize and curate. If you are talking about my photographic work, I started doing it by chance, and continued because I feel photography and film have a fluid and mobile quality that is useful to express my thoughts.
Why did you decide to place yourself in the photographs?
By placing myself in the photographs, I am at the centre of the enquiry. I am not separate from the work, I am also a part of my critique. And of course, I enjoy enacting the characters. When I create the characters, it helps me to understand how these archetypes or images were put together.
How do you come up with a concept and how does it get realized?
I have certain ongoing interests which I keep researching and studying. I collect images, essays, books and films either physically or in my head. I call this my ‘pseudo-archive’. Even before art school, I was a strong feminist and all my work is informed by my feminist explorations- the place for women in society, the idea of freedom etc. I use women’s images and women’s narratives and forms in my work. As an artist I believe that I must connect to all the progressive thinking of the day and belong to a network of people all over India who may believe in similar things. Art history, theatre, film, literature, history, women’s studies and cultural studies are part of my interests and inform my work. But I am also interested in popular forms. All these are sources for my work. But basically, I am interested in studying contemporary life.
Most of the images that you have re-visioned are from a time when the images were either captured by men or created for the male gaze. How is your version of the same image different?
I play with images in different ways. There are not always based on existing images. When I put myself inside the work, I believe it instantly changes the work and makes it of today. The re-creation makes them theatrical and gives them an ironic twist. I bring up these lost or taken for granted images for scrutiny.
Even though your works re-vision narratives from the past how do you keep them rooted in the present?
I use history, fantasy and memory to address the present. If I use the Ramayana it is because it is the national myth and at the centre of the very definition of India today. I am very interested in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as I see them as the primitive era of modernism and the basis of everything happening today.
Although women do have more freedom to go about their lives, do you think there is a real change in the way women are perceived in current times as opposed to the way they were?
I think there are two things happening today, simultaneously. One is that women in a sense are fighting for, and getting more and more freedom. On the other hand, feudal patriarchal society is fighting back ferociously and women are being violently attacked. The attacks are to stop the freedom and mobility of women. And also women and children, as they are soft targets, are the objects of the anger of the dispossessed. The violence is increasing because women are questioning their traditional roles more and more.
Digital Version: https://goo.gl/ruLaF2
Art
Navratri 2024: Celebrating the Nine Colours and Their Significance
Navratri, the festival that spans nine nights, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms, each day of Navratri holds special significance, marked by a distinct color that carries deep spiritual and cultural meaning. As we prepare for Navratri 2024, let’s explore the nine colors associated with each day, their significance, and how they inspire devotion, positivity, and harmony.
Day 1: Yellow
On Thursday, embrace the uplifting energy of yellow as you celebrate Navratri with optimism and joy. This warm and cheerful color symbolizes happiness and radiates positivity, keeping you in high spirits throughout the day.
Day 2: Green
On Friday, wear green, a color that represents nature, growth, and harmony. It evokes a sense of peace and serenity, while also symbolizing new beginnings. Let the vibrant energy of green invite tranquility and the blessings of the Goddess into your life.
Day 3: Grey
Saturday calls for the subtle sophistication of grey. This balanced color keeps you grounded and calm, symbolizing composure and understated elegance. It’s perfect for those who want to participate in Navratri with grace while making a refined style statement.
Day 4: Orange
On Sunday, adorn yourself in the vibrant hue of orange. This color embodies warmth, exuberance, and positivity. Wearing orange during Navratri invokes an upbeat energy, bringing vitality and a lively spirit to your celebrations.
Day 5: White
Start your Monday with the purity and serenity of white. Associated with innocence and spiritual clarity, this color invites inner peace and helps you connect with the divine blessings of the Goddess, offering a sense of security and calm.
Day 6: Red
On Tuesday, red takes center stage, symbolizing passion, love, and strength. As one of the most auspicious colors, red is often offered to the Goddess in the form of a Chunri. Wearing red fills you with energy, vigor, and the vibrant spirit of Navratri.
Day 7: Royal Blue
Wednesday’s color is royal blue, representing elegance, richness, and tranquility. This deep, vivid shade of blue exudes confidence and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those who want to celebrate Navratri with style and grace.
Day 8: Pink
On Thursday, don the charming hue of pink, a symbol of universal love, affection, and harmony. Pink is a color that adds a soft touch of warmth and approachability, making it perfect for creating a loving and joyful atmosphere during the festivities.
Day 9: Purple
On the final day of Navratri, purple takes the spotlight. Associated with luxury, nobility, and grandeur, purple invites opulence into your life. Wearing this regal color while worshipping Navdurga bestows blessings of prosperity and richness, making it the perfect way to end your Navratri celebrations.
Art
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Indian Art: A Journey Through State-Wise Traditional Paintings
India’s artistic heritage is a vibrant mosaic, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions of its states. Each region has its unique style of painting, with techniques and themes passed down through generations. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic traditional paintings from different states of India.
1. Madhubani Painting (Bihar)
Originating from the Mithila region of Bihar, Madhubani painting is known for its intricate patterns, bold colors, and themes inspired by nature, mythology, and folk tales. Traditionally, these paintings were done on mud walls, but now they are also created on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas.
Distinctive Features: Use of natural dyes, double outlines, geometrical patterns, and motifs like flowers, animals, and deities.
2. Pattachitra (Odisha and West Bengal)
Pattachitra, meaning ‘cloth painting,’ is an ancient art form from Odisha and West Bengal. These paintings depict mythological narratives, especially around Lord Jagannath, and are characterized by their intricate details and mythological themes.
Distinctive Features: Fine detailing, elaborate borders, vibrant use of colors, and the use of natural ingredients for dyes.
3. Warli Art (Maharashtra)
Warli art is a form of tribal painting from Maharashtra, traditionally done by the Warli tribe. It primarily uses white pigment on a mud base to depict daily activities, such as farming, hunting, and dancing, in a minimalistic yet expressive manner.
Distinctive Features: Simple geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares, which represent different elements of nature and human life.
4. Tanjore Painting (Tamil Nadu)
Tanjore (or Thanjavur) paintings, originating from Tamil Nadu, are known for their rich colors, surface richness, compact composition, and use of gold foil. They often depict Hindu gods and goddesses, with a focus on Lord Krishna and other deities.
Distinctive Features: Use of vibrant colors, gold leaf, and inlay work with semi-precious stones on wooden boards.
5. Pichwai Painting (Rajasthan)
Pichwai paintings, hailing from Rajasthan, are intricate paintings that portray the life of Lord Krishna, especially in the Nathdwara temple. These paintings are traditionally done on cloth and used as wall hangings behind the deity in temples.
Distinctive Features: Detailed depiction of Lord Krishna’s life, use of bright colors, and the portrayal of various scenes from the Bhagavad Purana.
6. Phad Painting (Rajasthan)
Phad painting is a narrative scroll painting from Rajasthan, where the stories of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan are depicted. The paintings are done on long pieces of cloth and are used in religious storytelling.
Distinctive Features: Bold lines, earthy colors, and the depiction of deities and their exploits.
7. Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh)
Kalamkari, literally meaning ‘pen work,’ is an art form from Andhra Pradesh that involves hand-painting or block printing on fabric. The themes are largely mythological, with stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata being common subjects.
Distinctive Features: Intricate handwork, natural dyes, and a distinctive color palette dominated by earthy tones.
8. Pithora Painting (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)
Pithora paintings, created by the Rathwa and Bhilala tribes of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, are done on the walls of their houses. These paintings are part of a ritual to invite the gods and ensure prosperity and happiness.
Distinctive Features: Vibrant colors, ritualistic significance, and the depiction of gods, animals, and scenes from daily life.
9. Chitrakathi Painting (Maharashtra)
Chitrakathi is a traditional art form from the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, where paintings are used as visual aids in storytelling. These paintings often accompany performances that narrate stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Distinctive Features: Simple yet expressive figures, use of natural colors, and the narrative style.
10. Saura Art (Odisha)
Saura art is a form of mural painting by the Saura tribe of Odisha. It is similar to Warli art but has its unique elements, depicting the tribe’s daily activities, rituals, and deities.
Distinctive Features: Monochrome palette, linear style, and the depiction of nature and community life.
The diverse painting styles of India offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each state’s art form is a testament to the creativity and traditions that have been nurtured for centuries. By exploring these traditional paintings, we not only appreciate their beauty but also connect with the stories and values that have shaped India’s cultural landscape.
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.
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