“Today Asia Art Council (AAC) have the pleasure of speaking with Ayesha Taleyarkhan, a photographer whose work has spanned the black & white era of editorial photography to the glitzy world of advertising photography, and beyond into the world of photo books and abstract photo-artworks. With a focus on socially relevant topics and the theme of integration, Ayesha’s work continues to evolve and push the boundaries of the medium.”
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AAC: Can you tell us about your background and how you first got into photography as an art form?
Ayesha: I was always drawn to photography, specially shooting portraits and landscapes, so when I was offered the job of being the first photographer for Business India magazine when it was initially launched, I grabbed the opportunity.
AAC: How has your photography evolved over the years, and what motivates you to continue creating new work?
Ayesha: My photography journey started out with black and white photographs, a medium I loved, as myriad shades of black, white and grey combined in various ratios and textures. Moving on to colour photography as I embarked on the next part of the journey, which was in advertising photography. This entailed assignments which ranged from glamour to product to outdoor photography, requiring studio lights or natural light, according to the job. This was a huge shift from editorial work, but stimulating with never a dull moment. Coffee table books caught my attention after that, and I went on to produce 6 photo books on subjects ranging from architecture to women to hawkers and vendors of Bombay. This was an amazing and eye opening part of my photographic journey …
AAC: What is the usual theme for your work? Can you expand on that and what message do you hope to convey through your art?
Ayesha: The theme that runs through my work is integration. ‘Integration’, was born due to the growing global divisive trends. The power of unity, diversity and mutual respect was disappearing and was being replaced with egocentricity and intolerance. This alarming new reality caused polarization and deep divisions in society, which produced a strong influence on my work …
AAC: Can you walk us through your creative process, from conceptualization to final product?
Ayesha: An idea bursting into expression – experimental at first – just an enjoyment of forms, colours and textures blending harmoniously in the spirit of integration … The multi-media process used to generate these works, defines the final portrayal. The diverse elements of multiple photographs are skillfully incorporated and digitally assimilated, to create the effects of crayons, oil paint, charcoal, watercolours, etc. enhancing textures and layering in the work. This process reveals the unpredictable aspect of the abstract form, where colour, structure of composition, textures and layers impulsively engage.
AAC: Can you discuss a specific project or series that holds a special significance to you and why?
Ayesha: The ‘Integration’ series has several categories and the one that holds a special place in my heart is the ‘portraits’ category. Besides the personalities of the people, that come through, we appreciate how complex human beings can be, when a photo art is created. As multiple photographs are blended, more details emerge and it can be seen that there is much more than meets the eye. Stories start unfurling from these works as one thing leads to another.
AAC: How do you see the role of photography in contemporary art, and how do you push the boundaries within your own practice?
Ayesha: Contemporary art is a rather complex space and open to interpretation. When a photographer creates fine art photography, it starts encroaching into the contemporary art space. It’s not strictly photography, nor is it traditional art, as the photograph is the source of the artwork. However, the role of photography in contemporary art has been debated for decades with leading international photographers introducing photo art into museum collections. It is a work in progress. My photo artwork series, titled ‘Integration’ is making a similar statement, as it is pushing the conversation further in the digital art space, by converting my photographs into abstract digital art.
AAC: How do you stay inspired and continue to challenge yourself in your artistic pursuits? Can you discuss upcoming projects or exhibitions that you are particularly excited about?
Ayesha: Art has been evocative historically, bringing to the fore strong emotions of likes, dislikes, etc. On the other hand the artist creates artworks drawing from her deep well of inspiration, whether it is political, historical, etc. Since photo art is emerging and cutting edge, the freshness and unpredictable aspect of this largely abstract genre, is a great motivating factor for me.