Information Arts and Information Design Practices
As an information designer, I am driven by a desire to create immersive experiences that provoke thought and curiosity, particularly within community-focused projects such as those involving the Toda and Badaga communities of the Nilgiris, and women veiling their identities. These projects, fuelled by curiosity, address the complexities of bias and challenge in understanding different cultures and identities. My work is aimed at community enthusiasts and art practitioners. The process of compiling a collective portfolio has been enlightening. Analysing various projects and their interconnections has deepened my understanding of my work and the relationships and positionalities involved. My projects that fit under “For-With” have attempted to unpack the layers of community and look beyond what I see. It has also helped me understand whether I was designing with communities or for communities. Although the projects chosen for my line of inquiry were not my best, they were crucial to my learning of different mediums and my own cultural and personal identity. My unique approach involves conducting primary interviews to capture diverse narratives and perspectives that continue to influence my relationships with them long after the projects conclude. This method not only enriches my work but also reinforces my commitment to engaging deeply with different communities.
Growing up surrounded by diverse communities, I've always been curious about their way of life, both the good and the bad. Throughout my PGDP journey, my projects have been fuelled by a deep-seated curiosity to explore and learn more about the diverse communities that surround me. Every step of the way, I have been driven by a desire to gain a better understanding of the world we live in and the people whom I inhabit. With each discovery, I have experienced a sense of wonder and excitement that has only served to fuel my eagerness to learn and explore even further. My interest in working with or for communities has grown tremendously over time.
