In this installation, the evolving AI-generated images are amalgamations of my own artistic creations. Generated through Artificial Intelligence, they symbolize the peeling away of layers in a story, echoing the process of revealing individual and collective truths.
I seek to connect ancient and contemporary art, highlighting the renewal brought about by generative AI.
Then & Now, And Again...
Inspired by the vibrant storytelling tradition of the Kaavad of Rajasthan, India, this installation reimagines an ancient narrative form through contemporary technology. For centuries, Kaavad storytellers have unfolded intricately painted wooden boxes, revealing stories layer by layer. Here, the Kaavad becomes both metaphor and framework.
The evolving imagery is generated through Artificial Intelligence using my own paintings as source material. Like the opening of a Kaavad box, each transformation uncovers new visual possibilities, bridging traditional artmaking with emerging technologies while remaining rooted in human creativity and intention.
Drawing on my experiences as an immigrant and member of the diaspora, the work explores identity, displacement, belonging, and cultural memory. As images continuously morph, they echo the unfolding layers of personal and collective stories, revealing the complexity of individuals and communities.
At its heart, this installation celebrates storytelling as a universal human practice—one that transcends cultures and generations. Just as the Kaavad has long brought people together, these evolving works invite viewers to pause, connect, and reflect on our shared humanity. By merging heritage with innovation, Then & Now, And Again… affirms art's enduring capacity to foster empathy, dialogue, and community.
