Assumption of Reality!

What is reality? Are only those things that are visible to our eyes 'real'? What about air then? Our eyes don't see it but it evidently exists and is real. And God—apparently the one who 'created' everything but remains invisible himself—is his presence reality or just an assumption?

When a question has no answer or has an unclear answer, it perplexes and bewilders us. As humans, we can't stop looking for one because that's how nature designed us—to forever seek the truth, to delve into the unseen, to grasp the tiniest piece of knowledge. That is why and that is when an imaginary answer or an assumption is born. An assumption thus overtime becomes reality of a different kind—the one that doesn't really exist but is still there—fabricated for our satisfaction to put an end to a lingering or haunting question or doubt. Albeit this pseudo reality is a non-existing one, it stays in our head, dominating our thoughts and trying to alter our perception, until we start to believe it. Haven't we on countless occasions heard rumours and baseless gossip that are perceived to be true and real when they are far from it? They are not, but it's our belief in them that makes them real.

"touch, feel, see, hear and smell are form of reality, imagining is assumption. Its that dramatic shift upon forging a special relation with self resulted in the series, the series with painting and drawing and installation to create detailed and at times chaotic depictions of thoughts, reality and assumption".

The narrative merge the personal with religion, shifting between past and present, and scientific at times dismantling facts, deconstructing faith, and turning it into REALITY.

This is just a part of the whole series that I have worked on and super proud of. More from the series will follow.

A set of 29 works in mixed media, on paper and framed in one inch box frame, measuring at 6.8 x 7.5 inches each.

Pradeep Mahadeshwar

Visual artist working in printmaking, illustration, photography and film making exploring the sense of energy within linear drawing form. Pradeep Mahadeshwar is also interested in the relationship between the world we live in and the symbols and mythologies created by past civilisations.

Although from Mumbai, he currently lives and works in Dublin, Ireland.

Over to the artist himself:

“As a printmaker I use linear drawing on hard ground metal plates to create my images. Removing the hard ground from the burned plate surface with a sharp point and then immersing the ‘unwanted’ metal surface into acid. My approach to my work is to form a symbolic representation of this process as similar to daily human actions, for example: we intake food but our body throws away the unwanted substances. I am also exploring the old technique of map painting by filling some parts of the prints with natural colors.

I use the camera to collect images for my research. Through my work I have tried to reflect on how human efforts to achieve a healthy and safe livelihood has changed the course of our surrounding world, both visible and hidden. My work is a symbol of our existence, which is entirely dependent on the tolerance, and adaptability, of nature.”

More about his work here https://www.facebook.com/pradeepmahadeshwarillustrations/info 

Thank you Pradeep for allowing me to feature you and your extraordinaire work on my blog. Wishing you the best for the future.

The processing

Poster of Gulaab Gang that he made

Pradeep Mahadeshwar

The BENCH

It was the third day of the 5^th Mumbai International Queer Film Festival (or Kashish as we all most lovingly call it) which was being held at the magnificent Liberty Cinema at Churchgate from May 21^st to 25^th, 2014.

In between screenings there's a breaktime of about 15 minutes. During one such recess, all delegates stepped out of the theatre and came out into the outer waiting are for some fresh air. I made my way through them and chose to sit on one of the many iron benches lining the building compound as I browsed the festival booklet handed out to each of us, figuring out the schedule of films being shown that day.

Out of nowhere two middle aged men, dressed in plain, simple clothes came and sat next to me. They were talking to each other as they approached the bench and from where I picked up their conversation, they seemed to be intrigued by the film festival and were discussing it amongst them. By their style of talking and their mannerisms, I realized they were straight! They spoke in chaste Hindi. (However I would be translating their conversation to English for better understanding.)

Lets call them M01 and M02.

M01 (pointing at the theatre building): “You still look confused to me, you know, about this festival”

M02 (staring at the queer crowd outside): “Hmm, I don't know what to say...”

M01 (turning back to M02): “Okay, let me tell you a story. You know, when Lord Rama won Sita's hand in marriage in her Swayamvara (an ancient practice of choosing a husband, from among a list of suitors, by a girl of marriageable age) many of Sita's girl friends were heartbroken as Rama was believed to be an ideal man who would make for a perfect husband. Every girl wanted and desired to be his wife. And so, they walked up to Rama during the ceremony and complained about their bad luck. They wanted to know what shall happen to all the love they had for him. Rama smiled at them and ensured them that he will reincarnate as Krishna and come back to love and marry all those girls who loved him. The womenfolk left happily. But it is said, there were some men too, in love with Rama and who were now sad to lose him to Sita. They went up to Rama too, and confessed their love. Once again Rama smiled and promised them he will come back in another avatar as a regular man and will be your partners and soul mates”.

And while continuing.... M01 said:

“Look at these people around you now, don't you see God in them?” … then he continued further, “tell me what are we (assuming the straight world) all fighting for? We are fighting for living everyday, for jobs, with our better halves, with brothers/relatives for property, with kids and what not, yet so unhappy. You know what these people are fighting for? Love! Yes you heard me, EACH ONE OF THEM IS FIGHTING FOR LOVE. And despite being denied for that, they still look happy and content with their lives. If they don't get their rights then who should? We should definitely learn something from these people who are fewer in number yet positive!”

Its a true story/happening and is not fiction in any part.

Inspiring Inder!

Qualified as a Fashion Designer, Inderjit Nagi is a creatively-inclined individual. He undertook teaching Fashion Design and Technology at a very young age, coaching students in Fashion Illustration, History of World Costumes and Portfolio Presentation while also mentoring them for their graduating fashion show.

He also guest lectured at a Finishing School on Wardrobe Management, Faking Figure Flaws, The Art of Make-up and Dressing Right. Eventually he took up the position of Beauty Stylist with L'Officiel-India Magazine where he was actively involved in conceptualizing and executing beauty related content for each imminent issue.

As a stylist, he has worked with some of India's best photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, film stars, models, socialites and cosmetic and fragrance brands.

Inderjit also takes keen interest in writing and frequently wrote for L'Officiel-India and freelanced for Spice Route-Spice Jet Airline's In-flight Magazine.

Today he is the proud owner of a fashion brand called Item Number (https://www.facebook.com/itemnumber), offering kitschy art products including variety in Bags, Cushion Covers, Mugs, Coasters and recently added, stunning, eye catching Skirts in various hues and shades.

For me Inderjit's sense of style is very fresh, experimenting, young and stylish. I sometime envy his ability to carry off anything with style. Of-course his confidence makes it more adorable. I personally know many of our friends who got make-over by him and now they all look 'oh! so saaaxxssseeeee!!!!'

Take a bow Mr Nagi, for you do inspire many secretly, including me!

Looks smashing in this sequinned Zara jacket

Perfect for a sunday brunch date

Love those shorts and hand clutch

Florals!

His sense of picking up fabric and turning them into stunning shirts

A touch of pink!

Chilling in Warsaw 

Self styled floral shirt

Love the vintage look

He owns some half a dozen colourful pants

Well accessorised 

Looks gorgeous in ethnic wear aswell

Mumbai International Airport

So here are the pictures that everyone on my list has been asking for!

One of the main reasons we took an international trip recently was to 'see' the Mumbai International Airport that everyone is raving about. Luckily things fell into place and we took off to Sri Lanka via the airport, and yes it's a magical place. Try and go way ahead of your flight time, as there is plenty to see at the Airport.

I can't describe places in words which is why I click them and share with everyone to understand and experience it. SO HERE YOU GO……..

Only one hitch, the airport is infested with thousands of mosquitoes. Beware!

Check-In counters and the waiting lounge

Interesting interiors

Just as you enter the airport

Well instructed for passengers

Check out some quirky stores to shop souvenirs, this one is aptly called 'Poparazzi'

The place has some interesting eateries to eat and drink

The lamps done by designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla

Catching my own shadow

Interesting places to eat and drink

World's biggest wall murals

Trains of Sri Lanka

While in Sri Lanka, travel like locals, that's try and get into trains from one destination to other as much as possible. It's way too much fun.

The country is well connected with the tracks going as far as Nuwara Eliya, a hill station and tea estate region to the down south and 'beachy' Galle to historical Anuradhapura and far north up-to Jaffna.

We took 'Expo Rail' (book it online as it gets really full) from Colombo to Nanu Oya. The journey lasted for about 5 to 6 hours only because the train has to literally climb the hilly region thus taking all its sweet time. But this is the most exotic journey you might take. The train passes through some 40 odd tunnels, bringing you the best of scenic beauty filled with lush green tea estates and jungles with waterfalls, rivers and some cute villages.

From Nanu oya we took Poddi Menikey to reach Kandy, which takes close to 3 hours of back journey.

From Kandy we were booked to travel by Intercity Express that leaves from Kandy at about 6:30 am and reaches Colombo by 9:00 am. This was an unforgettable journey purely because of our choice of carriage and seats. We were seated in an Observation Saloon, a special carriage at the end of the train that offers breathtaking 180 degrees view of Sri Lanka's gorgeous landscape. At times extremely bumpy and at times skirting the edge of a hill, the train cuts through many tunnels, fields and sleepy towns on its way.

We reached Colombo at 9am sharp and took the local train of 1030 am to Galle. Remember this one is a very tricky train. Despite pre booking, you have to try and get into your boogie and grab a seat as and when you get one. This one has no reservation and come with 'first come first serve' situation.

From Galle we took Rajdhani Express. Advance booking can be done at the Colombo rail station itself.

Train journeys are best in Sri Lanka, and definitely worth trying.