Photoshop V.2.0
Indian (In.di.an) adj. – Of or relating to India or the East Indies or to their people, languages, or cultures.*
Android (An.droid), n. – 1. A robot with a human appearance**, 2. Manlike, derived from the Greek word for “man” and ending that means “like” or “similar to”***, 3. Developed by Google Inc., an open source Operating System, meaning developers can modify and customize it****.
Indroid (Indian+Android), n. (?) – The next-gen Indian who, 1. May not bear any particular economic, geographical or cultural attributes, 2. Has variable age, gender, profession, age, etc., 3. Is a multi-identity organism and, can be accessible at numerous locations simultaneously, 4. Is usually a 32 Bit pixel composite, 5. Is a by-product of Globalisation, Capitalism, Technology and other agents of the System.
INTRO Inspired by the nearly bygone tradition of Studio Photography, Photoshop V.2.0 is an on-going interactive (participation based) installation art project with the sole purpose of bringing out the Indroid within.
THE CONCEPT Reality is a Construct- a permutation of Forms & Spaces, that 1. Define individual, cultural, geographical or economic identities, 2. Co-exist multi-dimensionally- physical, virtual or spiritual etc., 3.
Become the benchmark for existence, sustenance and ambitions, 4. Segregate various tangible/intangible behaviours and actions.
We constantly modify our Realities. For example, a new hair-cut, wall color, vehicle or a piece of furniture. Simultaneously, our physical mobility/movement furthers the modification.
Certain ancient philosophies consider Reality as merely individual perception & projection. The physicality (what the five senses perceive) is completely discarded.
Being a customized Hindu, I’ve found it exceedingly difficult to reject these ancient values. For the last few years, I have tried to comprehend and experience them through various prescribed techniques. But being an artistic/romantic individual, I find myself simultaneously engulfed in the ever expanding sensory world- one that has even transcended Reality.
I figured that manipulation of associations should gradually bring in prudence. My art practice & this project specifically, is one such act of manipulation.
METHODOLOGY, MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES Firstly, a physical Space is altered by inducing/constructing a new environment, and subjecting the viewer to interact with the same. A photographic documentation of the interaction thence follows, which is further manipulated in computer software for the Indroid to surface.
Each photograph is an edition of two, out of which one becomes a part of my personal archive.
The Space is created using pixelated vinyl-print cut-outs of Photo-Studio objects like a chair, a flower bouquet on a stool, backdrop and a carpet.
A static camera/tripod is positioned for the documentation, along with an instant photo-printer & a computer.
