Where every leaf holds a tale

2023 – Ongoing

“Where Every Leaf Holds a Tale”- this series explores the folk culture and stories of the Sundarbans, uncovering traditional ecological knowledge that may offer insights into contemporary environmental challenges.
To create this series, I visited key entry points of the Sundarbans, immersing myself in the forest and engaging with local communities. A residency at the Ashmolean Museum further enriched my exploration, allowing me to study Mughal miniatures, colonial-era photography, and drawings of flora and fauna.
While the ecological aspect is central, the series also examines cultural identity. The tales and traditions of the Sundarbans reveal a unique human-nature relationship, shaped by centuries of human settlement, including Mughal influence in lower Bengal. Folk literature from this period often speaks of supernatural powers in the forest, most notably Bonobibi, the legendary guardian venerated by Hindu, Muslim, and tribal communities. Despite religious differences, this shared reverence fostered cultural harmony and guided sustainable practices, such as taking only what was needed from the forest.
In reimagining Bonobibi, I draw inspiration from composite paintings—images made from parts of humans, animals, birds, and marine life—which express coexistence and harmony, themes central to my work.
I chose the color brown, inspired by the Ashmolean’s clay figure collection. Brown conveys connections to the natural world, evoking warmth, security, and earthiness. It also reflects aspects of South Asian identity, representing more than just skin color—it embodies a cultural and ecological rootedness that resonates throughout the series.