This week’s Shutter Stories celebrates the captivating work of Shivantha Nirmal, a photo artist who embodies the essence of monochrome in his visual storytelling. Through his striking portraits and abstract photography, Shivantha illuminates the profound simplicity found in the interplay of black and white.
Drawing inspiration from psychology and his dreams, he weaves together poetic narratives that evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Shivantha’s monochrome photography, where every image speaks volumes.
1. Skin and psyche
Skin reflects our identity and emotions, acting as a boundary between self and the external world. Freud stated that the Ego develops from bodily sensations from birth, emphasizing that touch shapes our psychic identity.
During a solo trip to Madiha, I contemplated how, without skin, we would identify one another through emotions and behaviours alone. This led me to envision loving a song purely for its sound, detached from the artist or lyrics.
2. From canvas to film
While Contemporary Artist Kitty Ritig and I were immersed in a conversation as she worked on her art project, the exchange between two artists unfolded like a delicate dance of words and ideas. The canvas, with its vibrant strokes, whispered, “I reveal the artist’s soul,” while the camera, poised and steady, replied, “I reveal life’s unfold.”
3. Joie de vivre
“Joie de vivre” is the essence of exiting living, a celebration of life’s richness and beauty. In the symphony of bohemian lovers, depth takes centre stage, as each moment becomes a vibrant chord in the melody of their shared existence.
Within the tapestry of their love, every thread holds a story, every knot a memory, and every stitch a testament to their journey together. It’s a masterpiece woven with boundless freedom and unconditional affection, where love flourishes in the fertile ground of authenticity and spontaneity.
4. The Grain of Sand
This collection is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s “Chokher Bali,” which highlights societal issues through the lens of Binodini, a young, convent-educated widow in 19th and 20th century Bengal. Forbidden to remarry, she embodies various roles: a hopeless widow, a friend, and a temptress, revealing her unfulfilled desires and struggles.
Tagore delves into the complexities of her character, showcasing her strength and the impact of her education in a world rife with rejection, while addressing themes like child marriage and women’s rights.
5. He Unseen
This collection is about ‘Investing darkness on human souls.’ Inspired by the enigmatic presence of Hades — the Greek God of the Underworld and the Dead, known also as Pluto, Plouton, and Dis—this series delves into the shadowed recesses of human existence. It is a poetic exploration of mortality, solitude, and the haunting beauty of the unknown. Each image serves as a passage into realms where light is fleeting, and the darkness reveals its profound truths. Through this work, we confront the veiled aspects of our humanity, guided by the mythic spirit of the keeper of shadows.
