Ryan Bharathan

This project emerged from my experience in recent years dealing with trauma. Corvidae Vinita is an illustration of the mind palace, a psychological state of being manifested by one’s trauma, a place where one retreats to when hurt severely, emotionally or physically. Inside my own palace, I find myself laying by the ocean, flocked by a murder of crows. I speak to a version of myself much older and wiser, a fully evolved crow. She tells me that even without wings, she will soar. 

I delved into the representation of crows in gothic folklore and why they were a symbol of safety, wisdom and comfort to me. I referenced crow anatomy, experimenting with winged silhouettes that protectively enclose the body, as well as developed a new textile that emulates the look and effect of feathers, soft and comforting to the touch. Inspired by the works of Tim Burton and Dilara Findikoglu and their world-building prowess, I also created a short film to narrate a prominent exchange I had in the mind palace. My outcome includes two conceptions - the crow lady, a reflection of my future, and the young bird that I am now, still growing and evolving.