Unveiling Identity: Mahee Agrawal's Odyssey through Experimentation and Liberation
Mahee Agrawal interviewed by Edoardo Schinco
Watch Indian-based photographer Mahee Agrawal's journey unfolding through the lens of her series "Lady Liberty", portraying a charming woman symbolising confidence and power. The captivating combination of black and gold in this series emanates elegance, a testament to Agrawal's love for contrast. "Lisa Del Giocondo aka 'Mona Lisa' in her teens" is yet another striking series: a Renaissance-inspired experiment that organically emerged during the confinement of the Covid 2nd wave. Agrawal's aim, a personal challenge, invites viewers to join her in breaking free from limitations, creating an endless loop of artistic liberation.
Who are you? How would you introduce yourself to our audience?
I think I’ll always be figuring out who I am or becoming—it’s a variable, just like change and growth.
I’ll introduce myself to the audience as a person who embraces the unsaid.
Art is an ever-changing concept. Would you think of yourself as an artist? What is the meaning of “art” for you?
Art and artist are subjective and abstract terms, in my opinion. I believe that our lives are directly proportional to art, and that the true meaning of art is “you”.
We are curious about your artistic expression. What are your sources? What are your favorite media?
I derive my thoughts and inspiration from experimentation, overthinking, and the unpredictability of the universe. I enjoy exploring various mediums, but one that tops my comfort zone is a compact camera with a 35 or 50 mm lens.
When did you start to take pictures? Why did you choose to start your activity as photographer?
It all started from an early age. I grew up watching my dad take pictures of me, my mom, and capturing every little detail of my childhood. Any memories I have of my childhood are because of those pictures he took and turned them into a tangible album, holding onto all those precious memories. I can say that he is the reason I fell in love with taking pictures. You ask why I chose photography, to answer that, I would say because it’s like meditation to me!
Your series entitled “Lady Liberty” is dominated by a charming young woman. What is this title referring to?
Lady Liberty is a symbol of confidence, power and independence.
Those pictures are animated by an eye-catching combination of black and gold. What inspired you to make this aesthetic choice?
This project was conceptualized for a close friend who had handcrafted this exquisite wig jewelry, screaming elegance. And I love a good contrast in things so that’s why gold and black!
Your series “Lisa Del Giocondo aka ‘Mona Lisa’ in her teens” is based on an extremely fascinating idea. How did you come up with this Renaissance-like connection? What brought you to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa?
Actually, it’s a lil funny how I came up with the idea. I had an oil painting print from the Renaissance era on a bedsheet, reminiscent of the Mona Lisa’s color scheme. This sparked an idea to experiment with a Renaissance-inspired photoshoot. I shot this series in 2021 when we were confined in our homes due to Covid 2nd wave. With limited resources, I began improvising, with whatever materials I had on hand. I created makeshift gobos from cardboard and utilized LED bulbs for lighting. Driven by both boredom and a creative surge, I called my friend and we instantly planned with her without thinking much. It was an experiment that unfolded organically and resulted in one of my most cherished works.
My fascination with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa stemmed from the captivating color palette of the bedsheet, which transported me to a vision of a youthful Mona Lisa.
What was your aim? What kind of reaction did you want to provoke in the (Indian) viewer?
There was no aim as such. It emerged from a spirit of experimentation and a personal challenge I set for myself. I just want people to join me into the endless loop of freeing each other of any boundations.