Mohit Tiwari’s ‘Cacoon’ Is A Kafkaesque Exploration Of Self-Entrapment

There's a certain unsettling familiarity that washes over you when you gaze upon the images of the ‘Cocoon’. It evokes a feeling reminiscent of Franz Kafka's haunting novella, ‘Metamorphosis’, where the protagonist finds himself trapped in a stifling chrysalis of his own transformation. This is precisely the essence that the photographer captures: the suffocating feeling of being confined within oneself and the arduous journey towards self-liberation.

The series opens with a stark image of the subject swathed in plastic, confined within their own space. This deliberate use of plastic embodies the restrictive nature of these self-imposed limitations. The plastic wrap symbolizes not only physical entrapment but also mental and emotional confinement; illustrating the overwhelming weight of internal and external pressures. This initial state of immobilization powerfully conveys the sense of suffocation and helplessness that often accompanies self-doubt and societal expectations.

The concept of 'Cocoon' is born from a universal experience: feeling trapped within familiar surroundings that once offered comfort but now suffocate. This project visually represents this sensation through a series of evocative photographs. Each image in the series is a step in a journey; capturing the gradual process of self-liberation.

The project aims to visually represent the claustrophobic sensation of being trapped within one’s familiar surroundings, and the powerful process of breaking free from these constraints. This concept is depicted through a series of photographs featuring a solitary subject covered in plastic; an embodiment of the stifling enclosure we often find ourselves in.

As the series progresses, the viewer witnesses a gradual transformation. The subject begins to struggle against her bindings; a visual metaphor for the internal battle we all face when confronting our fears and limitations. Each photograph captures a moment of effort; highlighting the small yet significant steps towards breaking free. This progression is a testament to the resilience and strength required to overcome personal barriers.

The culmination of 'Cocoon' is marked by a powerful image of the subject finally freeing herself from the plastic cocoon. This moment of triumph is captured with her gazing directly into the lens; her expression a blend of relief, determination, and newfound clarity. This photograph represents a breath of fresh air; a moment of self-realization and empowerment. The subject’s direct gaze invites the viewer to connect with her journey and to reflect on their own struggles and triumphs.

Mohit Tiwari, the Delhi-based photographer behind Cocoon, has a deep appreciation for aesthetics and his passion for art have guided his journey; from capturing everyday moments to creating profound editorial and conceptual photography. For Mohit, photography is not just a means of self-expression but also a path to liberation.

Mohit’s vision was to create a series that not only told a story but also evoked a visceral emotional response. The use of plastic as a medium was a deliberate choice to symbolize both the fragility and strength of the human spirit. The careful staging and lighting of each photograph was designed to enhance the sense of entrapment and the subsequent liberation.

Through the series, Mohit delves into the universal experience of feeling trapped and the exhilarating journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. His lens captures the essence of what it means to break free from our own confines; to shed the layers that hold us back, and to emerge stronger and more self-assured.

Follow Mohit Tiwari here.

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