Koothu

In terms of fashion imagery, showcasing South Asia is still a small niche that barely has any authentic light to it. India is known for its manufacturing, and our artisanal textile skills are constantly exploited by big names in fashion. But our people are barely seen in the mainstream industry. The so-called 'Indian aesthetics' are often picked up for campaigns and models are used as tokens, but we barely see representation in the background. Very rarely are brown stories and lifestyles discussed. As the fashion world slowly evokes conversations about inclusivity and representation, My project “Koothu” celebrates my background - the people of Tamil Nadu, their lifestyle, clothing, and culture in an effort to anchor my community in contemporary visual culture and fashion imagery. -Frames of real houses and real people in Tamil Nadu that oscillate between youth, joy, leisure, and inner conflicts of characters placed against the vibrancy and chaos of the State.                        

                                                                       •                        •                     “I have felt invisible quite a many times. Does everyone see me? My sister, friend and neighbours ask me the same question. We see each other, I am not sure about the world. Representation can mean many things, for me. I grew up in Tamil Nadu, a state in India. It is hot year around, rice is our holy grail, the streets are our playgrounds, and street dogs are our confidantes. As I sit in my apartment in London, attempting to articulate the essence of my childhood to my friends from the West, I always fall short. We are from very different worlds.                       

The chromatic brilliance of simple frames, the chaotic energy of the place, and the most beautiful people, the only beauty I used to know. Handmade textiles to homegrown food. My celebration and joy, the little leisure of running up to the "pori vandi", a mobile cart with fresh puffed rice and peanut, running up to the "balloon kaar", the man selling all kinds of balloons on a big board on his shoulders, vegetable vendors cycling outside my door, so many lives around me enriching mine”