Showstopper

INDIRA LAKSMI PRASAD

Showstopper, the solo exhibition curated by Rahul Bhattacharya is a presentation of the bold practice of young artist Varnita Mahanjan. Conceptually the work of this artist explores ideas which are largely socially taboo, seamlessly juxtaposing aesthetics of street fashion, high art and all in between with her sculptural and two dimensional works.

Theatrics of the mannequin are implored from the very entrance of the exhibition, with the two figures placed at the entrance clad in mixed media experimental wear – a nod to street fashion and the combination of paradoxical imagery. The juxtaposition of ugly/beautiful or imageries which connote life and death is by no means a new concept, in art and in fashion. As conceptualized by Sigmund Freud, the Eros/ Thanatos theory is a dualism inherently present within the human psyche, and has been explored by artists throughout the ages, even before Freud coined the theory. Though this psychological theory is indeed vast and multifaceted, in a nutshell it can be used to give context to the array of sex/life – death/deterioration motif and the combination of the two which we have seen overtly and covertly through the ages. In contemporary cutting edge fashion both high street and independent labels have explored this thoroughly – an example among a vast many being ‘All Saints’ a high brand who featured the macabre work of illustrator Laurie Lipton on many designs. Countless independent brands and designers, including Varnita, continue to take this cutting edge play on imagery further into the mainstream. The artist cites that it is the theatrical element of fashion which has inspired her work, taking inspiration from both the runway and shop front displays.