Saturday, July 21, 2012

Mapping metaphysical relationship between finite and the infinite worlds

A recent series of works by the Mumbai-based artist and independent designer, Ichha Bhojani, tries to map the metaphysical relationship existing between the visible and invisible and the finite and the infinite worlds. The new body of mixed media works, moored in the Bahai faith and its philosophy, strive to explore the tenuous and fragile link between reality and dreams, the physical and mystical planes, and body and soul.

Her first solo show in Mumbai, received rave reviews. The artist has just debuted in the city of Bengaluru, where she spent her formative years. Iccha Bhojani. Inspired by the Bahai faith, as mentioned above, the series encapsulates the philosophy of life. It talks about the selfless service as part of our lives. The schism between the material and eternal world is something always bridged by the soul. Its progress is directly co-related to our service rendered to the world and people around.

The artist has tried to express this thought through her work. The artist’s works are an outcome of different processes. She photographs and then makes a collage and sketches on it. Reminiscing about her early years spent in Bengaluru where she found her calling for art at Mallya Aditi School where her career began. Her art teacher encouraged her to take up art.

While she likes to paint, Ichha Bhojani reveals her best job was with Sathya Paul where she was in charge of doing up the windows - a visual merchandising job - coming up with a monsoon concept or a summer window apart from working on displaying the sarees. The vivacious window served as her vast canvas. She had worked then for their New Delhi and Mumbai stores.

With a staunch belief in divine powers, she is a perfectionist, focusing on mixed media. Her work features elements of collage, drawing and print. The artist looks to attain a subtle sense of the ‘ever after’ in her works. She elaborates, "We don't believe in physical rebirth. We believe in the journey of the soul, that the soul continues to progress. The way we make use of our physical life reflects in the soul’s progress. It prompts you to rethink how you live your present life."

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