Words & Images by Divya Gangwani

Interview by Hannah Roberts

What inspired you to make your series “Mom and Me”?

I was in the beginning stages of exploring my identity, specifically my cultural identity in my work. I started tracing back to my childhood, and all the things I grew up learning about my Indian identity. My grandmother, is one of the most influential people in my life. Both my grandmother and mother instilled culture and grace throughout my childhood that has shaped the woman I am today. She and I used to sleep in the same bed till I was about 10 years old. She would talk to me about how she would walk to school each morning, and all the fun games her friends and she would play on the way. As a child, I would have dreams of me walking with my grandmother on those same roads, on the way with her to school to learn how to knit and cook. My childhood memories are filled with stories of my grandmother and her experiences. I would not be the person I am today without those life lessons and stories she told me all those years ago. This series dedicated to her, as there would not be me without her. It is a self-portrait of both of us, showcasing all of the similar traits of hers that I carry, and the memories we have shared together and continue to.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Experimental

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

I would love to teach a photography concepts class! Conceptualising a project alongside other creatives has always been my favorite part of the making process.

What drove you to pursue image-making?

I have always been drawn to art and creating in general, but for image-making in particular, it started based off based my irrational fear of losing my memory. I used to take photos of everything and anything as a memory log when I was a pre-teen. This then turned into me being interested in capturing people and places that I found interesting on a day to day. Eventually I turned the camera inward and started to create projects about myself. Currently I aim to make images that add to the conversations surrounding the Indian diaspora and Indian femininity.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

Oh gosh, there are so many. I think the most recent book that really stuck with me was Zadie Smith’s ‘Grand Union’. She is by far one of my favorite authors, her stories are so incredibly captivating.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a project that revolved around my relationship with my parents, specifically the immigrant guilt that follows you once you leave home and start creating a life for yourself.

I read that your work explores cultural identities often involving family archives, what have you learned about yourself during this process?

I think I have learned to allow myself to take my time. A lot of the projects I have been working on in the past two years have been heavy personally, and I have often had to take breaks from ideating and researching. The pauses through my making process are important, and it allows me to sit with the emotions.