Open book

Tea stained cotton rag pulp, photocopy transfer, ink. 6" x 12".

Anxious words

'Open book', has references in multiple levels. In one level it talks about a relationship which was open till now and has run into trouble; screens have come up where there was openness. Secrecy has crept in. The other reference is to the physical books now becoming more digital and protected by password and so on. It also hints at my relationship with books, which has undergone change. Not being comfortable with electronic version, I still like to hold books in my hands and read, and of course, nothing like the smell of a new book.

'In between', is about a wish that nothing should come in between me and my beloved, especially not the ego, which becomes a hindrance. There is an anxiety that oneness cannot be achieved.

Process: the book form was initially created in clay and mould taken in POP and later cast in pulp made from Daphne bark. Daphne is a weed which grows in North Eastern parts of India. Once the cast is dry in about 2 weeks, text and image are introduced. It simulates a regular book form but cannot be opened and read.