This charcoal drawing refers to a photograph I had of my home in India. It is rendered in black and white, with a negative tonal value, which conveys a sense of distance and detachment. The deliberate choice of the absence of colour is to emphasise the emotional and physical separation I feel from my former home. The size allows me to see the process of drawing as a process of entering the image, of imagining my home. The monumental charcoal drawing becomes a gateway into my memories, allowing me to embark on a journey of introspection and imagination. Its sheer size invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the process of creation and witness the unfolding of a deeply personal narrative. Embedded within the drawing is a screen that is seamlessly integrated into the composition. This screen displays a video recording of the activities that took place during the drawing process. As I immersed myself in the act of drawing from a photograph of my home in India, I invited friends to share their memories and experiences of their own childhoods, homes and families. My approach here was to transcend the solitary engagement of drawing from a photograph of very personal significance. I looked for the equivalent situations in the experiences of others. As the video progresses, different people tell their stories, weaving a tapestry of personal narratives that reflect the diversity of human experience. Simultaneously, the drawing evolves and takes shape, reflecting the ongoing process of constructing and adapting. It highlights the deep connections we have with our roots, and the ways in which memories shape our understanding of self and place.
Charcoal on paper
245 X 300 cm
