Photoseries ‘The Fall of Man’ Intertwines Mythology, Religion, & Queer Identity

Image Courtesy: Sahil Behal

What’s most striking about Sahil Behal’s photography is the way he plays with light and shadow. As a result, there’s a lifelike depth to all of his pictures that effortlessly convey the emotion, narrative, space, and time of the subjects he’s capturing.

His photoseries ‘The Fall of Man’ intertwines mythology, religion, Indian streetwear and queer interreligious identities; offering a commentary on the chaos and discord that we’ve witnessed in the last few years, across the various political, social and cultural spheres that define our society. Sahil spoke to us recently about his influences as an artist as well as how he conceptualizes series such as ‘The Fall Of Man’.

Could you tell us a little about your project?

Drawing from Jospeh Campbell’s ‘The Power of Myth’, we bring you ‘The Fall of Man’ –– a post-apocalyptic myth of a queer inter-religious couple on a romantic walk around contemporary Mumbai. The visuals of the shoot depict goddess Kali and her lover Buraq in Indian-inspired streetwear, holding hands as couples do, taking a stroll around the empty streets of Mumbai, a city ravaged by communal violence and disease, ready to rise again to a new era.

What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?

Rid Burman, Bharat Sikka, Lachlan Bailey, and Alexander Saladrigas.

Could you describe your creative process and the purpose with which you create?

I usually start with an idea and start building on it. Then I let it organically flow.

What are some of your biggest influences as an artist?

Looking and studying photographs and observing light and shadow. I can do that every day. Anything that is visual appeals to me.

What are some things you learned while putting this project together?

Keep moving and do not give up. If something does not work, keep experimenting. Bad situations can be good for you sometimes. Have fun by the end of it.

Who are some artists who are currently on your radar?

Dan Martensen.

A project you wish you were a part of?

The Raw Mango campaign.

Photoseries Credits

Photographer: Sahil Behal @behalsahil

Styling: Natasha Sumant @tashsumant

HMU: Kiran Denzongpa @kirandenzongpa

Models: Nebo Jeslin @iamnezby Jennifer Jayaraj @jennifernaomijayaraj

You can follow Sahil Behal’s work here.

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