I created this work during the pandemic lockdown. I am living in Wayanad, the emerald green paradise nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats. This part of Kerala connects with the other popular hill stations of South India. Despite its well-connected ghat roads that lead to the quiet wilderness and unique flora and fauna, getting out and traveling requires a herculean effort. It is unlike an urban setting, where venturing out is easy and even mandatory. In that sense, Wayanad is somewhat cut off from the mainland, and I can say that I was always in quarantine. I would rather spend time in my studio than venturing out, except for the daily routine of morning/evening walks and short shooting trips. The lockdown curtailed this sense of freedom as well. As usual, my studio became my solace. I went through my archives and recreated visuals - dreamy, nostalgic, longing for that which was familiar. When I could not travel physically, my imagination spread its wings to create the real and the unreal in perfect harmony and inner rhythm.
