“Growing up, the absolute childhood fantasy was to be the main character, the ones we used to idolise in high school movies. But as much we loved them, we have to admit that the representation we received was limited to some overly done geeky kid or a stereotypical orientalist character,” says Riya Sharma, the stylist and creative director of the photo series Youthhood.
Shot in a nostalgic yearbook style, ‘Youthood’ is at once a playful photoseries with a choose your own avatar vibe as well as a deep dive into re-interpreting Indian youth identity. “For me, Youthhood was primarily ignited by the sole idea of reclaiming our own narrative of what the Indian crop of Generation-Z looks like” adds Riya. “With all our diverse personalities, a globalised style synergy that balances equal parts of desi and contemporary influence and a rebellious youthful streak, we decided to paint an artistic re-imagination of a 2000s yearbook that was solely by the youth, for the youth and of the youth.”
Reimagining visuals of high school aesthetics and youthful indulgence, Youthhood is a window into the individual charisma of 8 kids who aren’t coy about their fantasies, particular interests and this sense of freedom that channels through the screen. Frustrated by stereotypical tropes and binary norms plaguing the beauty industry, the photo series celebrates the spunky candour and in-your-face style quotient of the Indian youth that goes beyond colour, caste and cultural differences.
The series was shot by Chandigarh-based photographer and visual storyteller Farheen Fatima, whose photos are a beautiful combination of fine art, fantasy, fashion, landscapes, and atmospheres and who engages in narratives themed around nature and human relationships. She explores these themes through her photographic practice as well as with her rhythmic illustrations.
With this photo series, she brings to life the childhood fantasy that all brown kids grew up with. The photoseries is a playful project featuring a group of friends with interesting interpersonal dynamics and quirky takes on life that don’t care for moral codes or subdued expression. Farheen manages to capture this friend group as their authentic selves, something that speaks through the screen as we observe different dynamics and resonate with their struggles of love, identity and playful naivety. Shot in a 90s setup and styled from their personal wardrobes, the aim was to portray what India’s outlook on Youthhood looks like.
A vibrant ode to the Gen-Z fashion and personalities, the photoseries is everything and more if you were to give the 90s a Gen-Z touch.
Shot by: @farheenay
Styling, creative direction & words: @reaayonce
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