Contained self

Digital print pasted on modified wedding invitation. 3”dia x 3”(when closed). Unique piece.

This box came to me as a wedding invitation of a friend a few months ago. The form intrigued me as soon as I saw it and I could see lot of potential so I kept it safely.

In this changed form I wanted to use it in such a way that the container and the contained become active and talk to each other. In general, one is expected to show the positive side of one's nature. Especially articles in popular magazines and newspapers urge you to be happy, confident and exude a sense of well being.

Contrarily, I have tried to bring to the fore emotions that we conceal in the process of putting on happy face. I have used a self portrait on the outside. A veritable 'happy, amiable, laughing picture' that family and friends want to see. (While posing for a picture I'm told repeatedly, "don't be serious or broody; smile. You seem like you are carrying all the world's burdens!" ) What is inside is an entirely different world.

There is anger, which surfaces every now and then, coupled with confusion, disappointment, inner turbulence and ego. And the smiling picture is actually a wrap around all this. Dig a little bit deeper and all this comes out. Hence my work is titled 'Contained Self.'