Writer's Perspective
The "Writer's Perspective" is a visual documentation of my childhood writings. I recreated the feelings visually using a palate mix of orange white, grey and black. Orange and white represent the happy memories while grey and back account for the sad ones. The project is a mix of non-face portraits and object photography.
Overview
A dynamic installation, honoring Jamiat-Ulama-i-hind's
unwavering commitment to freedom and secularism.
JUH Overview: Jamiat-Ulama-i-hind or JUH is an organisation that works towards the ideologies of freedom, secularism, anti terririsom and humanity and reletlessly continues to work upon them despite odds in changing times and circumstances.JUH is an organisation of Islamic scholars established in 1919 for the struggle of independence through non-violent resistance. JUH scholars led the Khilafat Movement alongside Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement, its leaders issuing a fatwa that declared cooperation with the British to be haram. The two movements together reiterated Hindu-Muslim unity, and went on to become a formidable force against the British.
Objective: The objective was to design and implement a partition installation within one floor of the JUH office space in ITO Delhi, serving as a dynamic tribute commemorating the organization's century-long existence. This installation forms an integral part of the museum dedicated to celebrating JUH's history, featuring artifacts and multimedia displays that vividly illustrate the organization's enduring struggles and triumphs, emphasizing its steadfast commitment to the principles of freedom, secularism, and humanity.
One nation theory: The Jamiat opposed the partition of India in 1947, advocating their One Nation theory which emphasized united nationalism regardless of religion or culture. Despite their efforts, the partition occurred. Jamiat leaders restored confidence among Indian Muslims during the communal frenzy accompanying independence and ensured their safety. Today, the Jamiat persists in social welfare efforts against communalism and terrorism
Design Process
Deep dive into the history of India before freedom: The JUH museum design was crafted with the backing of the Archaeological Survey of India, ensuring authenticity and historical accuracy. During the research phase, sessions led by esteemed historians provided invaluable insights into the country's pre-partition era, enriching the narrative of the museum and deepening visitors' understanding of the cultural and social fabric of the time.
Inception of the idea: After completing the research, the next step was to brainstorm the installation. The concept centered on a small bedroom, belonging to anyone regardless of their background. Inside, a calendar hangs on the wall, a bed sits quietly, and a window reveals chaos outside. People run and cry in the streets. This installation honors those who suffered during the partition. To symbolize the loss, everything in the room is cut into two equal pieces, representing the divide that tore families apart.
Visual representation: With the concept in mind, the next step was to sketch out the idea within the allotted space and determine the placement of various elements within the room installation. This involved mapping out the dimensions of the room and considering how the divided elements would be arranged to convey the message effectively.
Initial level sketches for installation
3D render of the installation idea
Material sourcing: Following the conceptualization, the design process progressed to multiple visits to the old market of Chandni Chowk and ongoing vendor management to lay the groundwork for the installation. These visits were crucial for sourcing authentic materials and props that would accurately reflect the time period and setting of the room.
Final Product
Impact
The JUH museum became a standout success, winning hearts across the industry. Its remarkable achievement was being named "India's Best Design Studio 2019" for Design Factory India by The Pool magazine. This honor speaks volumes about the dedication and innovation invested in the project, highlighting its significance in commemorating Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind's legacy and principles.
Project team
The JUH museum project involved the entire Design Factory India team, along with collaboration from architects, content writers, historians, and fellow designers. While I spearheaded the installation design from start to finish—handling everything from concept to material sourcing and finalizing the design—the collective effort of the team was crucial. Their input and guidance played a significant role in shaping the project. This installation served as a pivotal component of my graduation project at NIFT Calcutta, showcasing our collective creativity and expertise.