Tear Trail
Tear Trail, 2024, Digital Illustration, 24 x 17 inches
Tear Trail is a composite canvas of a series of digital collages that brings together four cities and instances where I have cried in public. It is a reflection of those moments and the emotions felt in those moments sparked by my experiences and the internal monologue which were an amalgamation of my emotional makeup, the beauty of the landscapes, the history of the place, that day, that present time, the colours, the quality of air, light and sound, the smells, the companions and the memories. This artwork presents a wider message about crying in public and how it is often ignored by others who may see it. In India, adults displaying such behavior is seen as taboo, or even asking for trouble and people are conditioned to turn a blind eye. Personally too, I have grappled with embarrassment or shame for showing vulnerability publicly even at moments of deep despair or have only successfully done so in places where nobody knows me. We tend to invariably associate tears with pain and grief but they can also be in response to feelings of joy and happiness, excitement and pleasure. Apart from the cathartic benefit of crying, I have felt the act of crying can connect one to a place and capture a passing moment, cementing it into a permanent memory. We rarely forget the moments we have shed tears and maybe that is why they are commonly believed to be precious. The use of illustrated maps depicts vivid memories of my explorations through the lens of tears in these cities, the reference lines help to recall the layers of emotions, cool ethereal colours blending and playing with patterns both physically and emotionally- all to recall the narrative of this tick of the clock.
Artist Statement: Hi I am Ranjini. I am an interdisciplinary creative practitioner. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, I come from an educated Bengali family and I identify as a woman. My professional life as a Graphic Designer and Creative Director spans over 18 years. It includes working with various brands, museums, non-governmental organisations, advertising agencies, design studios, production houses and inspiring individuals nationally and internationally. I was awarded the prestigious International Inlaks Art Award in 2007. This full merit-based scholarship enabled me to do a Masters in Graphic Design from Florence Design Academy, Florence, Italy. My education and travels helped me to develop a global outlook and connect with an international art and design community. I found solace in art during the tumultuous times of the 2020 pandemic and started practicing as a full-time visual artist ever since. My practice has become an integral part of my life and has essentially become a healing and coping mechanism. I have had the privilege to collaborate and exhibit with several international artists and galleries, in various capacities, further fuelling my dedication and passion for art. Taking inspiration from my own life experiences, I love exploring themes of nostalgia, memory, feminism, and societal perspectives of inclusion, diversity, environment and human values. My art is heavily influenced by my graphic design education and practice and is a mix of digital and analogue processes. I use diverse media to play with colour, graphics, composition and textures to visually communicate effective ideas.
