Biography
In eastern philosophical thought, Moksh means salvation. Since most of us won’t get to Moksh in this lifetime, we can get a glimpse of it. A MokshaShot (by my definition) is a taste of the sublime. Everyone can make their own MokshaShot out of anything they find fulfilling…art, chocolate, a holiday, a smile, sex, a Ferrari or a tequila shot!
My work uses satirical humour to comment on prevalent social and cultural practices.
We live in a time when everything is sacred but nothing really is. Belief systems, under numerous influences are in constant flux. A penchant for veneration has become habit.
We create Gods out of everyone and everything - film stars, politicians, musicians, chefs, newscasters, CEOs, products, graphic icons and brand mascots. Digital industries with their emoticons and game characters are the new players in the game.
Also part of it, are the rituals and paraphernalia of worship. It used to be prayer beads and shawls, now its Tshirts and apps! To satirise this penchant for veneration, I’ve created deities called MokshaPets. Each of them represents an aspect of the Self.
Instruments of hegemony, power and control, like organised religion of the yesteryears to new age religious systems to digital media and e-commerce are explored. Everything including a product, an emoticon, a mascot or a meditation promises to be your very own MokshaShot, the vehicle to your ultimate goal- Salvation.
Also explored are the universal experiences of the individual’s attempt at grappling with his or her own mind- memory, nostalgia, self-perception and self-analysis along with self-deception, if you will!
I have been exhibiting artist since the mid-nineties and my work evolves over time. My influences include Pop Art, pop culture, alternative healing practices, eastern philosophy and spirituality, quantum physics and psychedelia. More recently, I have started working in comedic performance and design based on my visual imagery.
