Looking for the artist by Pretika Menon

A few months ago, Pretika found a piece of exquisite art in a trash can, a painting made entirely of butterfly wings, depicting a bird. Filled with wonder, she cleaned it up and took it home.

“Moving away from city life has been a recalibration that brought me back into the present, grounding me with the earth. Since finding the painting, I’ve found myself in unusual, magical situations. Hence the title ‘Looking for the artist’ is more than just a search for the art work’s creator, it’s a search for the earth’s manifestor.”

If there’s one thought or idea that’s solidified in our collectsive minds in the last two years, it’s that there is no hurry to get anywhere. Away from the rat race, the earth heals, the sun strengthens, water caresses. Living in the present and making it wholesome has been the defining new reality.

Taking inspiration from our childhood movies like Wonder Woman and The Little Mermaid, we create a story of wonder. The story of woman, soft and delicate yet solid and mighty, healing herself in nature.

In a special hamlet in India where time slows down, people come from far and wide to experience its healing energy. Away from its famous beaches and parties, there is a world filled with magical waters, golden light streaming through ancient trees and hidden beauty. How do we preserve it and still create space for new dwellers? This is the question posed, since development has come to mean a tearing down of natural ecosystems and the people of Goa struggle to come to terms with the sudden influx of urban dwellers who are trying to get away from the pollution and congestion of the cities. The way forward requires an embracing of nature into all our spaces, and respect for its ancient powers.

BIO
Pretika is a photographer recently living in Goa. She creates stories around inclusivity, alternate & queer culture and fashion. Akanksha is a designer living in Delhi. She creates unique pieces of clothing and accessories that are at once the future and the past.

Credits

Muse: Georgina D’Silva @georginadsilva

Beauty: Laila Dalal @lailadalal

Styling & art: Akanksha Singh @akansshhhaaa7

Photography & creative direction: Pretika Menon @pretikamenon