Void : Exploring Our Strange Relationship With Ourselves - A Photo Story

Rishi Raj

A product of the Enlightenment ideals of the 18th century, 21st century man is an embodiment of rationality and logic. Even though our poets and philosophers have transcended the frailty of logic in solving the problems of humanity, most of us are still trapped in the mires of reasoning fed by our egos. This overarching faith in the human ego has stifled the voices that come from a place unsullied by motivations. The stronger our egos are, the more radical our views will be. And the repercussions of radical inclinations have always been war. No matter what we are up against, war has never been an effective form of dissent the world over. However, it is rather easy to mobilize the younger generation for war, as they are the ones bearing an impressionable mind. Such unidimensional narratives of right and wrong planted within the youth gives rise to a discourse which is a far cry from the truth. There is a loss of perspective, giving rise to irresponsible action.

This photo story by Rishi Raj, a Fashion Communications student at NIFT Bangalore, is an exploration of an individual on his way to shedding his falsified notion of the self, and emerging on the right side of history.

These are excerpts from his photo story called “the Void” which you can check out here.

HIM He stands on his own free will. Independent it may seem, however his feet are more stubborn than the roots of a tree. This world is his for the taking, or so he likes to believe. His existence is considered to be a work of art by none other than himself. Narcissistic, egoistic yet vulnerable, this character has been caught deep in a void.

EGOISTIC He is the story. He is the story teller. The world spins around hisfinger, or so he likes to think. Like a king, he sits on a made up throne ruling a world inflated with his own opinions.

NARCISSISTIC It is never a negative imprint when it comes to himself. He paints the world with his impressions, for he is his own work of art. His existence is the ultimate masterpiece to which nobody can compare. He believes nothing is perfect until his mark rests on it.

VULNERABLE When ego falls, his shadow rises. He is raw and vulnerable, with nothing to defend him. The throne has faded from his imagination and he must adjust to solid ground.

EVOLVE His face seems to be a part of something else. Something that was never originally him, something the society made him wear. Like a purifying mask, he begins to peel it away. The ego begins to shed. He slowly slips out of the void he was in, coming out renewed and evolved.

You can check out his work here.

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