Artist Statement: In my artistic practice, I am captivated by the process of unmaking and disruption, discovering the inherent beauty within imperfection and embracing the untold stories hidden within intricate patterns. With a pin in my hand, I embark on a meticulous journey, piercing tracing paper and delving into a therapeutic and meditative exploration that unravels memories and narratives. My childhood is alive in my mind as I spent countless hours in my maternal grandmother's house, where my aunt's vibrant apparel boutique thrives. Surrounded by fabrics, weaves, and motifs, I develop a deep appreciation for their aesthetic and the stories they carry. These elements become an integral part of my artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from the observation of tailors and craftsmen, I utilize unconventional tools such as pins, scissors, and tracing paper to recreate that nostalgic ambiance. Each pin piercing becomes a moment of introspection, allowing me to meditate, count my breaths, and immerse myself in a flow of thoughts and emotions. Though the motion may cause discomfort in my wrists, the repetitive action serves as a form of emotional repair, soothing my mind and unlocking memories from the past. Through my artistic process, I strive to push boundaries and challenge preconceived notions of beauty and design. By experimenting with various materials, including pinboard pins, soot, soorma, and pattern cutting tracing paper, I aim to create texture and depth, blurring the line between drawing and sculptural forms. The fragrances and smells that accompany my work become an integral part of the experience, inviting viewers to engage their senses and evoke their own memories. My artwork is an exploration of the unmaking and reconstructing of beauty. As I pierce the paper, patterns and designs emerge, some fading and transforming into new and intriguing forms. I am fascinated by the narratives embedded within each motif, as well as the stories and histories unique to every region in India. By using soot or soorma, I challenge conventional notions of beauty and design, much like Catherine Bertola does with her patterns drawn in dust. Ultimately, my practice is a continuous journey of self-discovery and storytelling. By connecting the dots between the past, present, and future, I aim to evoke emotions, provoke introspection, and inspire viewers to reimagine their own interpretations of beauty, design, and the power of memory.
Artist Statement: In my artistic practice, I find inspiration in the timeless nature of memories and the transformative power they hold. Memories have no defined timeline; they can transcend generations, blurring the boundaries between personal experiences and the tales passed down through time. My work delves into the depths of these memories, recreating objects and narratives using diverse mediums and materials. During a workshop with Sian Bowen, we explored Gaston Bachelard's poignant words, "My oldest memories, therefore, are a hundred years old, or perhaps a bit more." This line resonated deeply with me, highlighting the fluidity of memory and how it can transcend time. Memories become personal, regardless of their origins, intertwining with our own experiences and shaping our perceptions of the world. In my current exploration, I have embarked on a journey to recreate objects and memories connected to the forest. Through labor-intensive and repetitive actions, I wrap tree trunks with delicate tracing paper and newsprint. The fragility of the paper juxtaposed against the rough and sturdy trunks strips away the drawings, transforming them into sculptural forms. This process allows me to establish a direct connection with the forest, blurring the line between the tangible and the abstract. My works speak to the fragility and resilience of nature, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of all things. Each piece is imbued with a sense of reverence for the forest and its rich history. By utilizing different materials and techniques, I strive to evoke a sense of awe and contemplation in the viewer, inviting them to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the power of memory.
