is a graphic designer from India, and just like all his different names, his work spans across various categories like illustrations, branding, information design, publication design, typography & packaging.
Indianama
category:
Illustration
Role:
Artist
Client:
ANIMAL
Year:
2017, 2019, 2024
Curated by New Delhi-based creative agency Animal, Indianama is an annual exhibit that aims to explore and redefine the conversation around design in India. Each edition is thematic, focusing on various aspects of Indian history, culture, and society through a contemporary design lens.
I’ve had the privilege of contributing to three editions, creating original work alongside an inspiring lineup of artists.
2017: A Nation Set in Motion
Theme
To celebrate 70 years of independence, this edition reimagined India as a nation in motion, where the everyday met the extraordinary through dynamic, motion-driven travel posters by 70 artists worldwide.
I chose the theme 'Fire and Ice' as I found the ambiguous nature of the topic extremely appealing.
Concept Note
India is known as a land of contradictions. The constant conflict between ancient spiritualism and modern materialism, friction between the majority community beliefs and those of the other great religions this country nurtures, the tussle for power between central and state governments, the coexistence of abject poverty and obscene wealth, the worship of goddesses and harrassment of women — such contradictions have tormented the country for decades. However, before even the name “India” was coined, this land has been under the influence of 6 dfifferent climatic zones that have helped created several diverse landscapes within its boundaries — the great Himalayas stretching from the North to Northeast, the Thar desert in the Northwest, the grasslands, tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats and coastal India.This illustration aims to capture all these various landscapes in harmony and present India as an almost surreal destination. The aim is to highlight the fact that here in this land, fire and ice were always meant to come together, they were all meant to come together.
2019: Remake History
Theme
Indianama 2019 brought together 52 artists to reimagine key moments from India’s past as alternate versions of defining historical moments, forming a yearbook of speculative histories and possible Indias.
The topic I chose was 'To Clear Massive Backlogs Of Inda's Courts, The Supreme Court Sets Up 'Tatkal' Courts'.
Concept Note
The year is 2019, 18 years after the Tatkal courts were set up. Successful in its aim, there was a significant drop in the number of pending cases. Hoping to reach more people, the government decided to set up web and app-based services for citizens to file their cases. But the majority of people are still digitally illiterate. Shops near courts that provide services like Notary, “xerox”, etc. see this as an opportunity. Within weeks of the Tatkal Court App launch, the shops started promoting a new service – Tatkal Court Seva. Ironically, there is a long queue here as well.
2024: Lost & Found
Theme
Indianama 2024 explores India through objects, ideologies, flora, fauna, and practices that have been lost and found. Using the postage stamp, a historic conduit of state-sanctioned communication, as a medium, artists were invited to design a single stamp representing a ‘Lost’ or ‘Found’ element of India’s legacy, reflecting a nation shaped by past, present, and possibility.
The topic I chose was 'Football' simply because of my personal love for the game.
Concept Note
The Dream that Never Kicked Off: In a pivotal moment for Indian football, the nation chose not to participate in the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a decision steeped in misfortune and indecisiveness. The Indian Football Federation’s lack of interest in the tournament coupled with their lack of confidence in the players, led them to conclude that it wasn’t worth solving the daunting financial and logistical issues that would come with participation. This choice left a significant mark on Indian football, stifling aspirations and denying the team a chance to shine on the global stage. As the tournament unfolded without them, India’s absence served as a poignant reminder of a lost opportunity, dampening enthusiasm for the sport and allowing cricket to dominate the national consciousness for years to come.
