Tejal Patni’s latest exhibition, Vichitra, is imaginative, immersive and surreal. While it straddles the line of absurdism — of humans existing in a purposeless, chaotic universe — it bypasses the philosophy’s idea of meaninglessness. If anything, the showcase embraces satire and dark humour to break down physical barriers and bring disparate individuals together. “The inspiration behind Vichitra stemmed from my fascination with an unfinished building [that I saw in Delhi] where people still resided, offering glimpses into their lives,” says Patni, a photographer and ad filmmaker who has worked with top Indian and international fashion houses and magazines. “As a visual artist, I sought to transcend traditional boundaries by bringing this living space into a gallery setting.”
The real and surreal overlap in the show, and it delves into the “peculiarities” that we so often conceal in our personal spaces. By opening them up in a public space, Patni hopes the audience will experience the vulnerability and share a sense of bonding.
