SOUVENIR SHOP
Published by Super Labo, 2024
The series of photographs were created for the artist's 16-year-old daughter, Mannat, drawing inspiration from her Haikus and her profound fascination for Japan. This project commenced in 2023 during their first trip to Japan together. The artist aimed to create an intimate souvenir to bring back to India, capturing the feelings and emotions experienced during their travels in Japan, and reflecting on the mutual influence and interpretation of cultures. Mannat's discovery of popular Japanese culture began with Studio Ghibli films, which blossomed into a fascination with Japanese writers such as Haruki Murakami and Kazuo Ishiguro. These influences profoundly shaped her perspective. Over two extended trips to Japan between 2023 and 2024, the artist developed a multilayered series of photographs, inspired by conversations with Mannat and her insights. The project evolved into a diverse collection of images, including documentation, collages, sculptures, and paintings on photographs. Various souvenirs collected during these travels were also integrated into the artwork, creating a narrative that bridges fantasy, fiction, and reality.