Shared Ecologies Photo Grant 2024-26 - Aadithya S

Shared Ecologies Photo Grant 2024-26 – Aadithya S

Shared Ecologies is pleased to announce the recipient of the Shared Ecologies Photo Grant 2024-26: Aadithya S!

Aadithya’s project looks to envision thinnais through his project on the changing landscape of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Sangam Literature poetics, thinnais (திைண-tiṇai “land”, “genre”, “type”) is a type of poetic mode or theme that consists of a complete poetical landscape – a definite time, place, season in which the poem is set – and background elements characteristic of that landscape – including flora and fauna, inhabitants, deities and social organization. These codifications are used as symbols to imply a socio-economic order, occupations, and behavior patterns, which, in turn, are symbolized by specific flora and fauna.

In the contemporary context of evolving climatic conditions, regions are undergoing discernible transformations that extend beyond surface-level changes. These shifts are intricately influencing the ways, habits, and patterns of livelihood, adapting to the ecosystems. In this scenario, Aadithya’s objective is to envision Tamil Nadu through the lens of thinnai-themed moods and poems from the classical Tamil Sangam Literature. By delving into the grammar and metaphors embedded in the essence of the literary view, the aim is to articulate a visual narrative that encapsulates the essence of today’s ever-changing landscapes in Tamil Nadu. Through the medium of photography, the objective is to explore and capture the resonances between the poetic codifications of specific habitats and contemporary reality, portraying the nuanced interplay between human experiences and the transformed ecological tapestry of the region.

The jury appreciated the link Aadithya is exploring between language, history, culture and landscape, towards an eclectic approach that doesn’t treat artistic mediums as silos. The jury also appreciated his portfolio which they found evocative, besides being conceptually and visually strong.

 
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