Paris Kondal

Dehlia

Dehlia began as a response to the increasing need to document the new overwhelming quietness surrounding people due to COVID-19. The pandemic changed the lives of thousands across the world. Many fell into a state of silence and uneasiness formed around what life meant now. Those that were already living in isolation seemed to be forgotten about.

I chose to build my project around my Nuniji (maternal grandmother) who we had recently moved in with and had lived alone since the death of my Nunaji (maternal grandfather) several years ago.

In March 2020 when the lockdown began, I started to document the daily life of my Nuniji. The project not only sought to explore her relationship with the outside world and now heightened isolation from family and friends but also the familiarity of home. This project seeks to relate to others about what home means to each of us, as many people have been subjected to staying indoors during the pandemic, the home itself has been crucial in nurturing and providing nourishment to our lives.

The elements of my grandmother’s daily life are based around her deteriorated health, the remnants of my late grandfather and her faith in Om which resonate through the photographs.