A Photo Series Avidly Portraying The Ever Dynamic Nature Of Millennial Relationships

Vikram Hazarika

Arbitrary bonding has been of significance in varying stages of the budding millennial culture. Similarly, this art project explores and cascades through a collection of the changing dynamics of marriage, a surge of awareness with regard to the discrimination experienced by single people as well as the traditional shifts in the pattern of relationships, the growing diversity of relationships as this modernistic era progresses. It revolves around the gradual acceptance of singledom, proactive choices that stem up from it vis-a-vis shaping new behaviours through interactions and delving into a much more holistic concept through being single. Speaking to Vikram Hazarika we get to know more about this emotion driven, millennial project.

Credit - Vikram Hazarika

Please continue to further enlighten us and shed some more light towards this project.

This shoot is a projection of a behaviour forecast by Divya Kapoor. Arbitrary bonding is a macro trend that explores the foundation of bonding and intimacy in our culture. It captures the changing perception of singledom, driven by changing dynamics surrounding marriage, increasing awareness of discrimination against single people and a growing diversity of relationships in the modern era. As the ways in which we think about our relationships and life commitments change, so too must our self-talk, daily interactions and our consumption patterns. How do we define leisure as a single-person pursuit? In the decade ahead, the uncoupling of society will mean that ‘the individual’ is in the frame more than ever. Global acceptance of singledom will make it a positive lifestyle choice, shaping new behaviours – and products – for the workplace and the home. We presented the final shoot almost like a pastiche, paying tribute to millennial pop culture references like Lena Dunham’s ingenious writing for coming-of-age dramedy Girls, and the iconic Shortbus, by John Cameron Mitchell.

What are your biggest muses that favour your artistic career?

Contemporary artists like Amalia Ulman and David LaChapelle are hugely inspiring!

Where does your creativity stem from, let us in on the purpose with which you create.

In a past interview with Homegrown, I said that “ ...fashion, if done right, can be as powerful a medium as art. An editorial should have the power to go beyond the banality of fashion and compel the viewer to sit up and take notice”, words that still hold true for me even today. My ideas usually stem from a place of vulnerability, or emotional conflict that resonates with the turmoil of the times we live in.

Credit - Vikram Hazarika.

Are there any Indian contemporaries whose work you idolise?

James Althanzuala @jameslalthanzuala and Kshtij Kankaria @kshitijkankaria

What is the first piece of art that made an emotional impact on you?

I’d have to say Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful which I saw when I was 10; it led me to the realization that art can be both beautiful and poignant at the same time.

If you could collaborate and lead a project with the Indian Government, what would it be?

There’d be so many! - but off the top of my head, given the current political climate, I’d definitely want to be involved in a project that seeks to protect the interests of marginalized communities, as well as ensuring that human rights are not compromised in any part of the country.

Which is your favourite piece of work of your own & why?

I try to outdo myself with each new shoot, so I’d say the best/favourite is yet to come.