Few artists manage to capture the essence of diverse themes as seamlessly as Simone Gandhi. Her portfolio spans an impressive range of fashion, beauty, and commercial work, alongside deeply personal portraits and evocative couple sessions. 

One of her most intriguing and heartfelt projects is titled 'My Mother’s Carpet'. This project speaks to Gandhi's ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing every shot with emotional depth and cultural resonance. The inception of 'My Mother’s Carpet' was nothing short of spontaneous creativity. With less than 24 hours to conceive and execute the shoot, Gandhi and her team were propelled into a whirlwind of rapid planning and improvisation.

In the face of this creative crunch, the team found themselves instinctively turning to their mothers for inspiration and resources. Gandhi borrowed her mother’s carpets, rich in history and intricate designs, while her collaborator Nahid contributed a selection of her mother’s elegant saris. This blend of personal heritage and artistic vision laid the foundation for a shoot that was both visually stunning and emotionally profound.

The day of the shoot was marked by unpredictable and challenging weather. Strong winds turned the set into a scene of organized chaos, with team members clinging to stands to prevent the carpets from taking flight. Despite the tumultuous conditions, the team’s spirit remained unbroken. Working under such conditions underscored the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Gandhi’s crew demonstrated an extraordinary ability to think on their feet, maintaining high energy and a positive atmosphere throughout the shoot. This resilience and creativity are clearly reflected in the final photographs, which exude a sense of tranquility and timeless elegance.

Simone Gandhi’s philosophy towards photography is rooted in experimentation and meaningful expression. Whether she is navigating the glamorous corridors of fashion photography or capturing the intimate moments of a couple’s session, Gandhi’s aim is to extract something significant from each shoot. 'My Mother’s Carpet" is a perfect embodiment of this ethos, merging fashion and personal history to create a narrative that is both unique and universally relatable.

The carpets and saris used in the project are more than just props; they are artifacts of cultural identity and personal memory. Each thread and pattern tells a story, contributing to the rich appeal of the photographs. what sets her apart is Gandhi’s use of these elements highlights her ability to establish personal and cultural narratives into her work.

'My Mother’s Carpet' is a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. It is a reminder of the profound influence that personal history can have on artistic expression.

Follow Simone Gandhi here.

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