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"Culmination" August, 2025
These photographs I call “culmination”. They were taken at the end of my second MA unit focusing on developing my personal and professional practice.
A few weeks earlier I had created a mock installation using two lengths of sari fabric knotted and separated to represent India and Pakistan. Afterwards I began to explore and discuss the idea of installation art, thinking back in particular to my background in set and costume design.
I had expressed in MA sessions how wearing Indian and Pakistani clothing made me feel uncomfortable sometimes. To me it can feel like appropriation or even cosplay. However, an idea formed in my head of me wearing the dress and being photographed surrounded by all my artworks and objects. I had no specific plan except a list of everything I knew I would like to include: the hanging sari fabric, artworks and experiments, books I had read, photo albums, my journals, and any objects I owned or had collected, including a packet of Turmeric. Because so much of this project was about me reclaiming my heritage I wanted to wear clothing and jewellery from my heritage. I wanted to appear positive, comfortable and at ease, which I think I achieved. However, sharing these photographs online feels risky, and exposing. Fortunately all the feedback I received was positive, and I was reminded once again about how much of this is in my head.
These photographs I call “culmination”. They were taken at the end of my second MA unit focusing on developing my personal and professional practice.
A few weeks earlier I had created a mock installation using two lengths of sari fabric knotted and separated to represent India and Pakistan. Afterwards I began to explore and discuss the idea of installation art, thinking back in particular to my background in set and costume design.
I had expressed in MA sessions how wearing Indian and Pakistani clothing made me feel uncomfortable sometimes. To me it can feel like appropriation or even cosplay. However, an idea formed in my head of me wearing the dress and being photographed surrounded by all my artworks and objects. I had no specific plan except a list of everything I knew I would like to include: the hanging sari fabric, artworks and experiments, books I had read, photo albums, my journals, and any objects I owned or had collected, including a packet of Turmeric. Because so much of this project was about me reclaiming my heritage I wanted to wear clothing and jewellery from my heritage. I wanted to appear positive, comfortable and at ease, which I think I achieved. However, sharing these photographs online feels risky, and exposing. Fortunately all the feedback I received was positive, and I was reminded once again about how much of this is in my head.
