The Human Canvas Presents Vasudeva Aikshata!

Medium: Light-based sculptural installation; Performance to camera

Dimensions: 8 x 12 feet 

Vasudeva Aikshata! (Vasudeva Saw!) is a phrase from the text Srimad Bhagavatam, written by Veda Vyas sometime between the eighth and the tenth century CE. The phrase, exclaimed at Krishna’s birth, captures the reaction of Vasudeva (Krishna’s father) as Lord Krishna, the all-encompassing divinity of Hinduism, was born. As an immigrant I listened to stories like this one at various stages of my life, told by my grandparents, parents, and gurus. They are key to understanding my Indian ancestry and heritage and in many ways, they form my foundation as an artist. 

A strong oral tradition, diverse visualities rooted in Indian and Western art histories, as well as awe-inspiring music, coalesce as the basis of my artwork. The presence of the Human Canvas, my alter ego, allows me to view these stories from an objective point of view and contend with broader visual cultural discourses on caste, gender, colonialism, and the immigrants’ perspective. 

The tale that unfolds in my works centers on Krishna’s childhood and his relationship with Radha (Krishna’s chief consort and companion). Four light-based sculptural installations function as a visual anthology. The installations are animated through a live musical performance by the Human Canvas, who serves as the stories’ narrator.  

Light provides a sense of universality to this multi-dimensional work, allowing it to stay grounded in philosophically-driven narratives as opposed to religious iconography. The interplay between 2D and 3D objects, music, performance and the aforementioned juxtaposition plays to the theatrics of mise-en-scene. This version of the piece is contextualized for an online platform and emulates the style of a video podcast that is simple and straightforward. This style allows me to connect with my audience more personally and create a sense of hope in trying times.  

Orientalist paintings are my key inspirations. Historically, their use of the gaze and mystification along with a trivializing “spectator” perspective alienated cultures of the east. My intention is to use that visuality to juxtapose and critique their depictions and showcase the richness of these cultures. Positioning the Human Canvas in a Canadian setting allows me/him to present the trauma of colonialism and eurocentrism from an Indian/middle-eastern point of view, creating a conversation about agency and reconciliation. 

More about the installations from the Human Canvas: Storytime with the Human Canvas