APPARITIONS: March 2014

A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

“Probably there is nothing in human nature more resonant with charges than the flow of energy between two biologically alike bodies, one of which has lain in amniotic bliss inside the other, one of which has labored to give birth to the other. The materials are here for the deepest mutuality and the most painful estrangement.”

― Adrienne Rich, Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution

Mothers and Daughters: Reflections and Mirages is an exploration and celebration of this significant human relation.

Who are you and who is your daughter? Do you know her and does she know you? How does she experience you? And how do you experience her? What is the effect you have on each other’s lives?

What are the conditionings that mothers pass on to the next generation of women, and how is it relevant in the present ever-changing times? As a rapidly transforming culture, what has affected this bond greatly?

What does the daughter need and learn from the mother, as her closest role model?

The Artist’s Vision

By photographing mothers and their daughters, I would like to create a sense of wonderment about this bond and also attempt to demonstrate how this specific lifelong relation, creates the next generation of women and their self-image.

I would like this exhibition to become an eye opener for other women and girls to self-enquire, and discover something new about themselves and their mothers and about women in general.

I wish to keep the conclusion of this exhibit open ended for discussions and pondering for both participants and visitors, including fathers and sons, who though seeming ancillary in the project are still very much affected by these two individuals.

Women Empower Each Other

The highlight of this exhibition and collection of photographs will be to bring into focus the amazing strength that the Indian women has, to face life in a male dominated society and world.

It is also to show how empowered women are, and can be, even if our country is presently going through so much violence against them.

Lastly, it is to show the strength that lies in this bond…when women support women and empower themselves while they empower each other and teach their daughters to live a life that is full, joyous and abundant with possibilities.

I have begun the journey with these wonderful women and their daughter's and its becoming quite a journey I must say.

With every story I hear, from both these ladies, its like living my own life through them. Some aspects maybe different, but the essence remains the same : that we are one feminine energy doing our best to actualize our dreams, for our selves and for our daughters and in turn nurturing lives of many other's who happen to meet us on our path to live our life's potential fully,with joy and celebration.

Taking this project forward, I am partnering with Hope for the Children Foundation, Pune ,
www.hopeforthechildrenfdn.org who are working with single mothers and the girl child , for the past nine years.