Home has always remained an idea in flux for those who're outliers in a society that is filled with the need for fitting into strict moulds. But as the world gets smaller and we move from place to place, the idea and definition of 'home' and 'identity' goes into a higher level of complexity. So in this day and age, many of us end up finding the space to be our most unabashed self in the middle of the dancefloor, no matter where they are in the world; a place where they can get lost in the thrall of swelling music, and dress in their most daring outfits, and dance like no one is watching, because nobody really is. Most importantly, the rules of most systems and cultures that we exist in cease to exist amid a rousing space like a rave.
Echoes of Acceptance, a mixed-media photo project by Malayali photographer and DJ Kirtana Rajeev, delves into the intersections of rave culture, with diasporic identity, and self-expression. Through evocative imagery and personal storytelling, her series traces the evolution of four individuals from isolation to belonging, revealing how those of South Asian Heritage reclaim their identities through events like raves and acts like dance.
Kirtana’s journey - of balancing the complexity of her Malayali roots and the challenges of navigating Western dismissals - has played a crucial role in shaping her creative voice. Now based in London, she finds her sense of belonging within the rave scene, where music, fashion, and community intersect. When she spoke to Homegrown, Kirtana explained how rave culture offered her a sanctuary where she could shed societal expectations and embrace her multifaceted self. Echoes of Acceptance is a reflection and meditation on this experience - merging photography and electronic music to create a visual narrative of liberation and unity.
The four subjects featured - Aparna, Chippa, Janani, and Rusthem - embody key moments within the six-chapter structure of Echoes of Acceptance as a multimedia series. The images and videos are visually striking, blending fashion, emotion, and movement to convey each character’s transformation. From the soft shadows in Rusthem’s images to the vibrant lighting in Chippa’s, each frame showcases the subjects' journey from an external percieved image to one that is truly authentic to them.
Unfolding across six chapters, the project marks a stage in the characters' journey toward self-acceptance. It begins with the 'Imagined Self', where societal norms force individuals to wear masks of conformity. But as the facade cracks, the inner conflict between societal roles and personal truth emerges, setting the stage for the process of shedding imposed identities.
The turning point comes with the 'Cloak Room Transition', a metaphorical space where societal expectations are discarded, much like checking a coat at the entrance of a rave. This threshold signifies a transformation - from dystopia to utopia - allowing the individuals to embrace their true selves. The rave floor, as portrayed in the series, becomes a stage for resistance and liberation. In these moments, the subjects are not merely dancing; they are reclaiming their bodies and celebrating freedom through defiant motion.
Each subject is shown as breaking free of the mould they were in. One of the images of Aparna is captured mid-movement, her body in a state of graceful abandon, embodying the theme of ‘Reclaiming the True Self Through Dance’. The mixed-media series captures not just physical movement but also symbolic liberation- a break from societal constraints. Similarly, the contrast between light and dark in the images featuring Janani highlights the duality of the idea of the ‘Imagined Self versus the True Self’ that the creative director has studied throughout this series. The shifting expressions and the collective journey of the subjects across the series emphasise the struggle between societal expectations and personal authenticity.
The Sanctuary That Is Rave Culture
At its heart, Echoes of Acceptance presents rave culture as more than just a party scene. It is a sanctuary - a place where self-expression knows no limits, and unity is found in the beat. Rave culture serves as a site of resistance, where differences dissolve, and marginalised identities are celebrated. The sense of belonging on the dance floor reflects a deeper longing for acceptance, both within oneself and from society. As Kirtana notes, these gatherings are “nomadic havens” where acceptance is a given, and strangers become kin.
Throughout the series, the characters' choreography reflects the collective energy of the rave scene. Movement becomes a powerful act of defiance, challenging societal norms that attempt to control or categorise bodies. This idea is echoed in the project's narrative, where the dance floor represents not just physical liberation but also emotional catharsis - a way to release the weight of imposed identities.
The final chapter in Kirtana’s series is 'The Beauty of Rave Culture,' which celebrates the themes of peace, love, unity, and respect. It is here that the subjects find belonging in their music and their rave avatar. Where the rave becomes more than a gathering and rather a community affair. One which puts the focus on the power of togetherness and self-expression and the need for spaces that encourage it. The portraits in Echoes of Acceptance capture this collective narrative of both rebellion, and acceptance. Ravers entering these spaces intending to create a better future, reflecting their visions of freedom and unity through movement and moments of quiet defiance.
With Echoes of Acceptance, Kirtana Rajeev explored identity and community through the lens of rave culture. Through the journey of the subjects over six chapters, she depicts the transformative power of dance as a means of self-expression, resistance, and liberation and of raves as a haven for the outliers. It is a piece of art that reminds one that even when societal norms continue to impose limitations, one's identity is fluid and acceptance is found in the spaces where we feel free to be ourselves.
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