This project revolves around the notion of gender roles and objectification in society. Each image aims to invoke a contemplative reaction from its audience. Created as individual pieces, the project comes together under the complex umbrella of identity and integration in society. The images challenge warped definitions and ancient confines that dictate gender roles in modern society, considering the evolution of civilisation from the graphic sculptures carved in temples like Khajuraho, to Freud’s notions of sexuality and the ever changing tides of acceptance and rejection today.

Every image represents the theory of objectification wherein the face of the individual does not feature in sexual fantasies. A glaringly obvious example would be the image with the popsicle covering the woman’s face, referring to the clear phallic symbol. Hiding the subject’s face emphasises compartmentalising her body, which plays into sexual fantasies of breaking down a person into an object.

Certain works invoke a deeper meaning like the image where a rose covers the subject’s face. A very masculine front is broken by an object suggesting female sexuality; adding a layer of femininity, bringing to light identity repression in an old fashioned gender specific society and culture, highlighted by the turban.

This project aims to invoke in the viewer an internal debate of complex issues that govern the world we live in today, addressing tolerance towards expression in educated as well as uneducated societies alike.