Task 3 MA1 :Mapping the Territory

This task was about creating a conceptual map pertaining to our art practice.It was a first for me and initially seemed like a insurmountable task,but once I began working on it thoughts flowed easily.

Eventually my mind map turned out to be a 3D one built slowly over a period of 2 months. It was exciting to look inside my head and translate my ideas into a visual landscape.I personified my ideas into characters in a theatre, floating around on a giant stage.

a reflection on my work generated these adjectives

more words that describe my work

Tracing my roots and reflecting upon my cultural identity:I was born and raised in India.India has a centuries old tradition of storytelling and a strong visual culture.The human form is commonly used.

My resources are art history(other artists), history of visual culture(India), personal experiences, intellectual culture(books, films,music).This section of the map is about the contemporary "storytellers" that influenced me.

Artwork that deal with the human psychology and how humans behave , fascinate  me.These are artists who draw parallels between nature and human nature.

I believe in magic and leaving the viewer confounded. Artists who visually manipulate the viewer with a sleight of hand.

I am greatly influenced by children's literature and illustrations. The characters invariably creep into my work

  Films are a powerful visual medium I draw inspiration from.There are some in which time moves backward , time periods are disarranged,animes, psychological thrillers or stories drawn from myths and legends.

I try to incorporate organic elements in my work.

Organic art is instinctive,rudimentary,primordial.Uses natural material.Resembles living breathing form.Has a natural progression over a period of time.

Surreal works challenge the observers' perception of reality, portray the unconscious mind and celebrate chance and spontaneity.I inhabit a surreal world which is reflected in my work.

  Using tableaux as a style of artwork

Assemblages are 3D collages which I am interested in exploring.

The themes I work with are related to invisible or intangible things.They are invisible because of absence,change,internal moments.

The mediums I use are fragile and ephemeral like paper,clay,felt,wax....performance could be considered.

Questions -:large or small, too much or too little,simple or complex, how much fact in the fiction,controlling or letting go,does my art reveal my identity?

My MANTRAS-:"unusual things in unusual places", "surprise yourself" and "steal like an artist" among others

Ology and Isms

challenges 

 future plans-:learn new skills, exhibit outside Middle East and illustrate a book for adults.

The feedback received on my map from the cohort

"your detailed paper cut outs remind me of these amazing children silhouettes I remember as a child - I think animation would be an interesting avenue for you to explore?  Excellent presentation and as always full of well constructed ideas."

"Your map was interesting ,especially cultural part because I feel close to my cultural heritage too...in India there is this culture for miniature and detail which is reflected in your works"

"I think your map was beautiful and intricate like all of your work. It was good to see the photo montage going on, and I think it would be interesting to combine photo elements with your drawings in your paper cuts."

"I'm also interested in folk tales and stories. it seems universal in a jungian way. I also wonder if collaboration is necessary to grow as an artist? it mean so much coordination etc. but is inspiring"

"you have such beautiful and delicate art work and this map is an art work in itself.you have put a lot of time and effort into the making and your journey is a fascinating one. i felt the characters were about to speak for themselves ... might  they really come alive at night??"

"such energy and ideas. Great presentation...

love the use of childrens literature

and with this in mind 

on fantasy/dreams etc ..............

Have you watched Pans Labyrinth ... Film? 

And also Catherine Breillat a french director .. Blue Beard was one of her films.."

" v. creative / wants to explore diff mediums / many influences very interested in how you bring ideas together and your subject matter.can't wait to see where all of these ideas take you down the road."

"Awesome presentation!! I am inspired by a lot of the same things as you although it's not very obvious in my work."

"I also like the idea of using fragile media, especially papers, so I am looking at that.I really enjoyed your presentation. I just read a book on managing time and day to day activities and it was specifically written for creatives/artists/writers."Manage your day to day " It is unlike any other time management book that I have seen and addresses core philosophical matters."

"I felt I was watching a excellent, imaginative and potentially scary film, I thought about Russia and the people protesting, carrying placards. I hoped that at any moment it would become animated before my eyes and a band would start playing."

It was encouraging to hear what everyone in the class had to say about my map.  I have to keep building on the initial structure and develop it further as I go along.