Title: Pratibimb
Medium: Digital Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag.
Size: 24"x 30", 10"x 12"
Year: 2010-11.
‘Behrupiyas’ are costumed performers changing looks every forty-two days; and transforming their mannerism according to the garb and character they adorn. They are a cluster of lower caste communities in India who are nomadic. Under the patronage of monarch they provided their services as messengers to another kingdom; today, they perform on streets, and collect alms door to door. Their looks are mostly inspired by popular culture; history, religion and politics documenting the visual culture of India.
I refer to these portraits of the ‘Behrupiyas’ as ‘Pratibimb’ (meaning reflection); like living with an alter ego. It is a reflection of the certainty that co-exists with the uncertainty within me. “Sometimes I wear glasses, because I have no gray hair.”
