DARSHAN
A Photographic Series of Indian Deities
MANJARI SHARMA

I grew up in a Hindu home to parents who were quite spiritual, religious and “god-fearing” as they would call it in India. I visited countless temples, shrines, and discourses as frequently as my parents wanted. These discourses circled around unraveling the mysteries locked in chapters of mythological enigma and tales of deities, reincarnations and astrology. The roots of Hindu mythology run deep; my own experiences as a child ranged from being fascinated and enlightened to lost and still seeking.
I moved from India to the United States in order to pursue an undergraduate study in Fine Art Photo-graphy. The frequency with which I visited Hindu temples in what felt like my previous life, gradually got replaced with visits to art galleries, museums and studios, where creativity in all mediums of expression was revered and placed on a pedestal to honor.

Most hindus have seen the use of painting and sculpture but rarely photography taken to the level of exacting measures with respect to showcasing deities. Darshan aims to photographically recreate nine classical images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to showcase the ability of a photograph to evoke a strong spiritual response.

To continue reading this article please purchase Issue 14 Volume 01 or subscribe to Namarupa. Thank you