SELF PORTRAIT
Inspired by old Bollywood aesthetics, I was drawn to create a series that defined my Indian heritage as I ventured out into the world, impacted and changed by experiences outside my culture. Though this has been the narrative of my life (moving from place to place), it is only now in my early 20's that I grow a love and nostalgia for my culture. As a non-resident Indian (NRI), I explore my identity as a woman of colour in a foreign place, with a refreshed and unashamed warmth that I had never truly embraced before.
Set outside, in front of a large tree trunk that somewhat resembles the scale of a Banyan tree, I adorn myself with the few items in my closet that are pieces of home. My favourite kurta (tunic, pants and shawl), my mother's old shawl as a resting mat, flower clips from my childhood, my grandmother's necklace and silver jhumkas (chandelier earrings) complete the outward appearance of my figure, reflecting the identity in my heart that I am sure of.
