The human stain

Photographer V.S Anandha Krishna’s thought -provoking new work examines man’s relationship with nature

They say that the finest art has to provoke. That one can judge the beauty of a piece of art by the strength of the viewer’s reaction. Photographer V.S Anandha Krishna’s photo-series displayed at fashion boutique Amortela in Alwarpet does just that. 

Ominously titled ‘Greed Kills Everything’, Anand who is a commercial photographer in Chennai, introduces his work. “I grew up in a village.” says the Dharmapuri-native. “My father, like many of our forefathers has toiled hard in the field. Our way of life was always in consonance with nature. It was never opposed to it. I grew up understanding the incredible connection between land, animals and our environment. Look at how a bull ploughs the field. The farmer understands...it is all connected...” 

Originally from a village called Raniampetti Anand grows serious. “But now plastic is destroying even our villages. Fifteen years ago when I came to Chennai to study art it was not so. But human greed is everywhere...” The thirty-something laments “In the cities I think everyone believes food is actually from a factory! We don’t appreciate where it comes from or the fine balance in nature. Nature is so beautiful. No matter how much we take, it continues to give...but we are destroying our home.” 

This perspective on the greatest of human flaws - greed - is the inspiration behind Anand’s carefully orchestrated art. Anand deliberately used actors and models to add drama and encourage a response for his work. “I wanted to highlight the problem, create awareness. I confess I myself am corrupt - working in the city for my livelihood. But I want people to start thinking of what will happen if we don’t give up our greed and profiteering...” What next? 

At Amortela until May 14.