Ongoing Research: Dear Deshna Shah
"Dear Deshna Shah" is a project that explores the intricate relationship between names, labels, and personal purpose, specifically focusing on individuals who share the name Deshna Shah from various cultural and geographical backgrounds. Through a series of interviews, I engage with these individuals to investigate how their names and the identities attached to them influence their sense of self and purpose in life.
This research aims to illuminate the emotional and cultural significance of the name Deshna Shah, examining how it shapes perceptions, experiences, and aspirations. Each interview serves as a personal narrative, revealing the stories behind this shared name—whether it carries familial legacies, cultural heritage, or individual aspirations. Participants share how the name has impacted their journeys, including moments of pride, challenge, and transformation.
In exploring the humour often embedded in the labels we carry, the project also delves into the symbolic weight of a name. Names can be sources of lightheartedness and playfulness, often eliciting jokes or anecdotes that reveal our shared human experiences. However, they also carry deeper meanings, invoking qualities that can be absorbed either subconsciously or consciously. This duality raises questions about how we embody the attributes associated with our names and whether we align ourselves with these characteristics over time. By examining the interplay of humour and symbolism in names, we can gain insight into the complex ways we navigate identity and belonging.
As a visual artist, I document these conversations through a combination of audio recordings, photographs, and artistic representations. The collected narratives will culminate in a multimedia exhibition and an accompanying conference, bringing together all participants to foster dialogue and reflection on the broader implications of naming and identity. This conference will provide a platform for discussing the unique experiences of Deshna Shahs around the world, allowing for a collective exploration of the intersections of identity and purpose.
"Dear Deshna Shah" seeks to create a deeper understanding of the connections between our names, the labels we wear, and our life’s purpose, ultimately encouraging a sense of unity and shared humanity. By intertwining personal stories with visual art, the project aspires to celebrate the rich tapestry of identities and the meanings we assign to them in our search for belonging and self-discovery.