Pradeep Mahadeshwar

Visual artist working in printmaking, illustration, photography and film making exploring the sense of energy within linear drawing form. Pradeep Mahadeshwar is also interested in the relationship between the world we live in and the symbols and mythologies created by past civilisations.

Although from Mumbai, he currently lives and works in Dublin, Ireland.

Over to the artist himself:

“As a printmaker I use linear drawing on hard ground metal plates to create my images. Removing the hard ground from the burned plate surface with a sharp point and then immersing the ‘unwanted’ metal surface into acid. My approach to my work is to form a symbolic representation of this process as similar to daily human actions, for example: we intake food but our body throws away the unwanted substances. I am also exploring the old technique of map painting by filling some parts of the prints with natural colors.

I use the camera to collect images for my research. Through my work I have tried to reflect on how human efforts to achieve a healthy and safe livelihood has changed the course of our surrounding world, both visible and hidden. My work is a symbol of our existence, which is entirely dependent on the tolerance, and adaptability, of nature.”

More about his work here https://www.facebook.com/pradeepmahadeshwarillustrations/info 

Thank you Pradeep for allowing me to feature you and your extraordinaire work on my blog. Wishing you the best for the future.

The processing

Poster of Gulaab Gang that he made

Pradeep Mahadeshwar

The BENCH

It was the third day of the 5^th Mumbai International Queer Film Festival (or Kashish as we all most lovingly call it) which was being held at the magnificent Liberty Cinema at Churchgate from May 21^st to 25^th, 2014.

In between screenings there's a breaktime of about 15 minutes. During one such recess, all delegates stepped out of the theatre and came out into the outer waiting are for some fresh air. I made my way through them and chose to sit on one of the many iron benches lining the building compound as I browsed the festival booklet handed out to each of us, figuring out the schedule of films being shown that day.

Out of nowhere two middle aged men, dressed in plain, simple clothes came and sat next to me. They were talking to each other as they approached the bench and from where I picked up their conversation, they seemed to be intrigued by the film festival and were discussing it amongst them. By their style of talking and their mannerisms, I realized they were straight! They spoke in chaste Hindi. (However I would be translating their conversation to English for better understanding.)

Lets call them M01 and M02.

M01 (pointing at the theatre building): “You still look confused to me, you know, about this festival”

M02 (staring at the queer crowd outside): “Hmm, I don't know what to say...”

M01 (turning back to M02): “Okay, let me tell you a story. You know, when Lord Rama won Sita's hand in marriage in her Swayamvara (an ancient practice of choosing a husband, from among a list of suitors, by a girl of marriageable age) many of Sita's girl friends were heartbroken as Rama was believed to be an ideal man who would make for a perfect husband. Every girl wanted and desired to be his wife. And so, they walked up to Rama during the ceremony and complained about their bad luck. They wanted to know what shall happen to all the love they had for him. Rama smiled at them and ensured them that he will reincarnate as Krishna and come back to love and marry all those girls who loved him. The womenfolk left happily. But it is said, there were some men too, in love with Rama and who were now sad to lose him to Sita. They went up to Rama too, and confessed their love. Once again Rama smiled and promised them he will come back in another avatar as a regular man and will be your partners and soul mates”.

And while continuing.... M01 said:

“Look at these people around you now, don't you see God in them?” … then he continued further, “tell me what are we (assuming the straight world) all fighting for? We are fighting for living everyday, for jobs, with our better halves, with brothers/relatives for property, with kids and what not, yet so unhappy. You know what these people are fighting for? Love! Yes you heard me, EACH ONE OF THEM IS FIGHTING FOR LOVE. And despite being denied for that, they still look happy and content with their lives. If they don't get their rights then who should? We should definitely learn something from these people who are fewer in number yet positive!”

Its a true story/happening and is not fiction in any part.

Inspiring Inder!

Qualified as a Fashion Designer, Inderjit Nagi is a creatively-inclined individual. He undertook teaching Fashion Design and Technology at a very young age, coaching students in Fashion Illustration, History of World Costumes and Portfolio Presentation while also mentoring them for their graduating fashion show.

He also guest lectured at a Finishing School on Wardrobe Management, Faking Figure Flaws, The Art of Make-up and Dressing Right. Eventually he took up the position of Beauty Stylist with L'Officiel-India Magazine where he was actively involved in conceptualizing and executing beauty related content for each imminent issue.

As a stylist, he has worked with some of India's best photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, film stars, models, socialites and cosmetic and fragrance brands.

Inderjit also takes keen interest in writing and frequently wrote for L'Officiel-India and freelanced for Spice Route-Spice Jet Airline's In-flight Magazine.

Today he is the proud owner of a fashion brand called Item Number (https://www.facebook.com/itemnumber), offering kitschy art products including variety in Bags, Cushion Covers, Mugs, Coasters and recently added, stunning, eye catching Skirts in various hues and shades.

For me Inderjit's sense of style is very fresh, experimenting, young and stylish. I sometime envy his ability to carry off anything with style. Of-course his confidence makes it more adorable. I personally know many of our friends who got make-over by him and now they all look 'oh! so saaaxxssseeeee!!!!'

Take a bow Mr Nagi, for you do inspire many secretly, including me!

Looks smashing in this sequinned Zara jacket

Perfect for a sunday brunch date

Love those shorts and hand clutch

Florals!

His sense of picking up fabric and turning them into stunning shirts

A touch of pink!

Chilling in Warsaw 

Self styled floral shirt

Love the vintage look

He owns some half a dozen colourful pants

Well accessorised 

Looks gorgeous in ethnic wear aswell