FEATURE

THE SHADE OF HOPE

Post-Pandemic plans cheer up with the little vibrancy of hope executing in the alley of darkness

We are now living a new normal but this fact isn’t yet grasped by many of us, we are looking forward to planning things out post-pandemic. The old normal where we were worried about “hairstyles” and “lipstick shades” or “is our beard perfectly trimmed” - these are the nostalgia moment for us now, where we are worried about being vaccinated or which mask would our outfit go with! We are eager to see the smiles and hug without having to worry about any third person, yes “Covid” has been our guest for too long to be called as someone among us. Humans tend to have an emotional connection with places, situations and whatnot. Some miss the hectic routines that hustled them from office to home to a party and students miss those boring lecturers and “lets-bunk-college-today” days. Though working from home in pyjamas is a delight, we all are missing the human connection that is now limited to the virtual connection.

Covid19 has not yet updated us on the deadline but we have people who have planned for the post-farewell party!

“Fighting the pandemic has been tough for everyone – while many of us faced the horror of tragically losing our loved ones to not being able to experience the university campus life or even graduate with our friends and silencing the will to even be happy – some of us have found happiness amidst the gloom; from life partners to babies to finding ourselves. It’s been a roller coaster of bitter-sweet emotions in the last two years. Living in the waves of guilt of all the things I’ve taken for granted – plenty of “first things” I’d love to do “ post-pandemic is find joy in being part of a noisy anonymous crowd. An ant in the colony. To not hold me back. Rather take that packed Zumba class. Attend a concert and dance with my friends. Or even sit in silence shoulder-to-shoulder marvelling over the cloudy view from the window of an aeroplane. I want to attend movie theatres and laugh, gasp or even yell and cry in unison. To be a part of the hug club without thinking about the consequences. Oh, and be invited to the Big Fat Hyderabadi weddings – I am a woman of culture!

Dr Rida Azhar Shaik, General

Dentist/Digital Creator

“ “Lockdowns hit entrepreneurs harder than others. It’s important to get a sense of what the team is going through and the sentiment out there. This becomes very difficult to get a hang of working remotely. So first things first, I am really looking to go back to the office and be part of the water cooler conversations with the team. Travel is the next thing on my mind. I got recently married and we have a joint Instagram account that is hungry for content! So I look forward to making great content, spending time with my colleagues, travel more with utmost safety.

Hamad Jowher, Co-Founder, Pazo

Inc.

“ “ “ “ The pandemic has put a serious dampener on everyone’s plans but that hasn’t stopped any of us from making plans for when things will return to normal. For starters, I can’t wait to be fully vaccinated because you can never be too safe. When the pandemic started and the world went under lockdown, I got stranded in India and have been unable to travel ever since. While things are slowly returning to a ‘new normal, certain thing such as travel is still a distant reality owing to safety and quarantine restrictions. The one thing I really, really want to do is to be able to travel back to Qatar and reunite with my husband. We’ve been apart for more than 18 months, so that’s really the first thing on my mind. Apart from that, I’ve made quite a lot of online friends in the last couple of months. And, it would be actually cool to finally hang out with them, meet them for a meal or just do fun stuff together. I would love to pursue these virtual friendships in real life too. I also started podcasting in 2020, so I shall continue making more episodes too. The first thing I'd do after the pandemic is over? Travel all over India and meet people who I met online during the pandemic. I've made many great friends on Twitter from all over the world who I want to catch up within the real world. Once I'm done travelling India, I'll start travelling the world to meet all these amazing people from different countries, such as Istanbul, Croatia, Singapore, South Korea, Nigeria and the list goes on and on! I do plan to document my travels so I might start a YouTube channel to vlog all about it. "I hope to learn about different cultures and get to know people who can help me explore new places I have always wanted to travel the world, but for some reason, it never happened. Now I have a strong reason to and it's going to be 100X more fun now that I have hundreds of friends who look forward to spending time with me! Mustafa Khundmiri, Entrepreneur

Mufassira Fathima,

Content Strategist/Podcaster

“ “ “The pandemic has taken over our lives for more than a year now and it has become the new normal. Classes have gone online and it’s not the same as actually going to class and attending lectures. As a fashion student, we’ve got more hands-on assignments and projects which are quite difficult to be done online. I miss going to college and learning and all those little mundane things we weren’t grateful for before the pandemic. I can’t wait for all of this to get over so I can go back to the usual life where I don’t sit and watch Netflix all day and do something productive. Going to fabric stores and looking around for different fabrics for hours is something I find therapeutic and it’s something I’m really looking forward to doing post-pandemic. I’m also planning on getting an internship under a designer so I can learn more, gain experience, and grow in the field. The pandemic has had an immense change on all our lives, but it has also made me explore other mediums such as digital art which will definitely help me hone my eye for fashion and design. I hope to practice these skills post-pandemic and take advantage of all opportunities possible. “

This pandemic has not just been mentally infuriating for us but has also changed the way we work, recreate or take a break from this perpetual farrago that’s life.The faintest possibility of a covid-free world is the only silver lining here. And the first thing I imagine myself doing is getting rid of the mask. I want to go out and give my friends a tight hug, without any fear of infection. I want to travel, and make up for all the times I couldn’t be with my family or friends because someone was affected by covid. I want to be able to enjoy a hot brew of coffee or just dance all night. I just want to remember what it meant to be carefree and alive!

Divya Soni, Freelance Writer/Content Marketer

Syeda Sakina Hadi, Fashion Design student at Hamstech

FOCUS ON THE ARTIST’S PERCEPTION

The Artistic approach towards everything blends in with the rhythm and shades of culture, passion and perspective.

The city of pearls is also inclined towards the richness of artistic culture. Hyderabad was the land where the Deccani style of painting originated in the 16th century. Since the land is rich for not just the food but the art and culture, over the years the city has created some profound artists in this city. Most of the time it is heard that “Hyderabad’s spark towards art is dull” but the artists of the city prove it wrong as we see more youngsters walking in the path of Art and literature. The thing about Hyderabadis is, we often are adventurous and the enthusiasm we have is never fading. From music, poetry, dance, painting, and all the literary art forms we’re diversely spread over every art form we can come across. We’ve come across some of the artists of the city and we interacted with them about their art forms and their way to perceive these art forms. An artist always has a unique way to look at things around us and while we spoke to them, we were enlightened by their way of perceiving things as an artist.

What example are you setting for the people who look up to you?

“I always say, “If people remember me only for my artworks that would be my biggest failure.” Art is how I emote. It is only a medium for me to put together my thoughts and portray them for people to see. And if I ever find a better medium to do so, I may not create as much art as I do today. I think the real question to ask yourself is, “Why do you create art? What’s your reason?” Are you telling stories through your art? Are you trying to reflect on society through it? Or present history? Or is it just because you find it therapeutic to do art? Find out your reason first. If there was one thing that I saw in common among the so-called big artists, that is their connection with their artworks.I often see some fellow artists feeling bad about not receiving much response for their works despite their hard work. I think this can be avoided when you first believe that you are making art primarily for yourself. You are not obliged to impress anyone with your works. Remember, the only person you need to compare yourself with is you from yesterday and nobody else.”

Harish Bhagavathula, Instructional Designer Instagram: @mangopenciler2.0

Being an artist, how does your perspective have an impact?

“Being an artist, you look at the world with a different story and perspective. You learn to see and observe things around you with an even deeper sense. I’m an Artist focusing on Meta sciences, astronomy and subjects that talk about our existence. As an artist, it makes me curious to understand how things work and what goes beyond it. Art has always helped me in understanding those things easily, it gives me clarity and makes me more observant over the things that I keep interested in, it has impacted my life in many ways, the deeper I go through the paintings, I appreciate the tiny little things that exist around me, it’s easier to express myself in paintings, and stay in touch with craziest parts of my consciousness”

Marzia Ali, Entrepreneur/Artist Instagram: @marzia_li

How the art and culture of Hyderabad inspire artists?

“Hyderabad” being a city of Rich culture and Traditions and very well deserved to be titled as the “City of Pearls” had have and is inspiring artists all over the city, right from Charminar, the globalised symbol of Hyderabad that stands long and tall with its four minarets on the eastern banks of Musi river. The Majestic Palaces like Falaknuma and Chowmahalla are a few of the Many Historical sites that deeply impact the artists to learn the rich legacy of Hyderabad. Its unique blend of both historical Nizami culture and Modern Telugu Essence perfectly portrays the deep diversity and a unitedly strong Hyderabad. The impeccable art styles ranging from Deccani, Mughlai, Nirmal, Bidri, Madhubani and Tanjore paintings revive the inventiveness of many artists including me. Apart from this intense cultural, tribal and historical influence, Hyderabad also tends to offer a sense of serenity within the artists, like the calm of the Hussain Sagar Lake amid the chaotic and ever-busy roads. Hyderabad with its modernity also displays a variety of contemporary Art like Graffiti, Murals and Abstract sculptures and paintings. The city of Hyderabad is bliss to Artists in all its Glory as Artists tend to see not colours and shapes but values and forms which give us more insight on the visual and these inspirations stay in our head like a footprint on the sands of time.”

Juveria Taqveem, Self-taught Artist & student Instagram: @juveriataqveem

In the digital world, will traditional art still prevail?

“I think digital and traditional are just mediums, and like any form of art, the tools and techniques keep changing all the time. Certain modes of creating art may die out and newer forms would come out. These days, professionals may find digital suiting their workflow better in terms of creating art and delivering it. However, traditional tools are the most accessible to everyone (when it comes to drawing and sketching), to learn and to create. Traditional art has been around for centuries so I don’t think it will lose importance despite new forms of art and tools coming up – a traditional piece that is tangible might outlive data if not archived properly. Ultimately, I think it is up to every artist to decide which form of art they are most comfortable in learning and creating, and which gives better results for them.”

Kartik Abhiram, Artist & Photographer Instagram: @karthikabhiram

What is the role of an artist in society?

“Artists don’t create the society, they reflect it.” We must see our world as it is, without a filter, just its naked self, to be better. The work an artist creates embodies emotions that help a society familiarise itself with complexities that are invisible but exist in plain sight. Art and artists capture time in a manner that stays for centuries reflecting the lies and truth of being. Artists show it as it is. Relationships, emotions, politics, every part that our life touches, are expressed through art in various forms. Artists have the power to transform the collective perception of society. They connect with a deep and uninterrupted bearing with their audience (society). Their work, be it a painting, poetry, song, act, any form of art, compels its viewer to justify or challenge their ideology/mind-set. In conclusion, artists play one of the most important roles in society. In simple words, artists are the people that shine light upon the unknown. The role of an artist is to make society aware of those elements that have not yet entered their consciousness.”

Chandni Mathur & Nikhil Kapur Artist Duo Hoozinc | Co-founders of Hoozinc Art & Design Studio Instagram: @hoozinc

How can Art therapy help people with mental and emotional stability?

“I had learning difficulties as a child and art became the medium of self-expression. I would sit with paints and create shapes and patterns. During my adolescence I doodled all my intense lectures it not only helped me with academic pressure but also made me a stronger visual learner. Historically, art has always been therapeutic whether you love creating or simply enjoy watching it. The benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation. Studies show creating art stimulates the release of dopamine the ‘feel-good hormone’ basically making you happier and so Art therapy adds value in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, phobias, relationship issues and much more. It is a great way to express your emotions, feelings and find relief.The experiences in my workshops have always been beautiful. Experiences where people create colours out of all the work-life stress on canvas by letting go of their fears, thoughts and emotions. You can be anyone a complete beginner or someone who creates art to try art therapy. Once you unleash your creativity your inner artist will quickly wake up leaving you with a sense of happiness.”

Afrah Sameen, Artist / Counsellor Instagram: @artlexic

How did you start on the journey of being an artist? What was your inspiration?

“It was never a conscious effort that I made to commence this journey. I never even knew that it was a journey I was embarking on when I was a 5-year-old kid. I randomly started with a dirty little drawing of Popeye - The sailor man, being a 90s kid who was obsessed with Cartoon Network the whole day. Beginning with that and a few accolades from my mother, I started drawing every day not because I liked the attention but I enjoyed the process. It reached a new level when Pokémon and Beyblade made their mark in India and I never looked back after that. Eventually, I enrolled myself in an art school (JNAFAU) in Hyderabad with a lot of support from my parents for which I am grateful. My sources of inspiration have always been very diverse. It was cartoons I saw which kept me going and I get severely inspired whenever I see any passionate individual working towards what they like doing. Of course, a lot of artists I look up to motivate me daily to break new grounds and help me become a better artist than I was yesterday. It’s a journey where I keep discovering what inspires me the most and adds to the existing one. It’s limitless!”

Sri Priyatham , Freelance Illustrator Instagram: @sripriyatham

As an artist how do you inspire your audience?

“Art is a way of self-expression and therapy to me, let’s me speak out and reach out to people and connect. For a long time, I have been sketching out my emotions on paper. My situations as a growing up kid inspire me to make art and people got connected to it. I would like to put my emotions, experiences out and let people know that they are not alone; we are all in this fighting and standing strong. One of the works that had made an impact is my ‘MOVE ON’ doodle. I believe art has the power to be a voice of many for many.”

Varshitha

Lakshmi, Student Instagram: @satyavarshi

Fun things to do this monsoon!

The rain Gods have finally obliged us with some pouring showers! It’s THE season for long drives, sleeping in and having a variety of delicious food! But there’s something about this weather that puts you in all kinds of different moods. Sometimes you might want some alone time and other times you just want to be surrounded by all your friends. To help avoid the chaos about what you want to do, we’ve listed down some fun things you can try this monsoon!

Listen to music

There’s something about the rains that put us all in the mood for some romance. Maybe it’s the movies that we’ve been watching since childhood that have romanticised the rains so much. It doesn’t matter if you have a special someone or not, you can always listen to some beautiful love songs in the rain and it’s sure to boost your mood. Who said only kids can have fun in the rain? Go out by yourself or take your friends along, get drenched and dance and relive your childhood!

Make paper boats

If you’ve got kids at home, make some paper boats and have a race in the rain. You’ll not only be encouraging them to play outside like we did but also be giving their eyes a break from the constant use of iPads!

Go for a walk

Go for a walk to KBR or any park for that matter and enjoy the weather and the earthy smell! It’s never a bad idea to go for a walk as you’ll have some time for yourself and it’ll clear your head!

Have an ice cream or two

Go for an ice cream with your friends or family while it rains. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful rains with your loved ones but your ice creams. Don’t forget to ask for a bite from the others’ ice creams and end up eating half of it!

It doesn’t matter if you’re an amazing baker worthy of being on Masterchef or someone who has always wanted to try their hand at baking. Put on your apron and whip up a cake for yourself or your entire family.

Sleep in

We can all agree that this gloomy weather makes us never want to get out of bed. So let’s just take a break and sleep in. Sleep all you want. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Go for a bicycle ride

When was the last time you went on a bicycle ride with your friends? If not recently, then head to necklace road, rent a bicycle and enjoy the amazing weather while enjoying the beautiful view. You’re sure to be reminded of the time you cycled as a kid with all your friends!

Read!

Brew a hot cup of coffee and snuggle up in your blanket with a book. With such busy schedules these days, it’s good to take some time off for yourself. You can pick up your favourite book or even start reading something you’ve been wanting to read for a while.

Watch a movie or your favourite TV show

Watch that movie that always cracks you up or the one that makes you cry like a baby or some sci-fi that you’ve heard a lot about. You can also take this time to watch the new season of your favourite TV series! Pick your friends up and go for a long drive. You can choose to go to the airport or even the ORR. It’s sure to be fun with your friends’ constant chatter and amazing music!

Play Board games

Monopoly may be one of those games that causes a lot of fights but it’s still fun to play. Gather your friends for a game of Monopoly or play carom with your family. Ludo, UNO and Poker are some of the other options.