Nandita Chandra

BD2025

Crafted Narratives

This project is a dedication to exploring narratives inspired by the life, culture, and elements of Himachal Pradesh and traditional crafts. Through mediums like a graphic novel, story maps, and collages, I have worked to capture the tangible and intangible aspects of these rich traditions. Whether through the exploration of Himachal's festivals in a graphic novel or delving into the craft of Gundiyali pottery and the artistry of Sankheda and metal embossing, each piece is a journey into vernacular culture and local environments. By blending storytelling with creative design, I aim to engage audiences in understanding and appreciating these cultural nuances, preserving their essence while presenting them in an accessible, playful, and deeply meaningful way.

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A graphic novel, a festive spirit, a journey of two brothers through Himachal Pradesh's vibrant festivals, unraveling the spirit of the mountains and their own growth along the way.

Snapshots of 'Pahadi Rooh': key moments that capture the journey through festivals, beliefs, and cultural encounters in Himachal Pradesh.

Tracing a transformative journey: how experiencing Himachal’s beliefs and traditions shaped the characters and their understanding of the mountains and also my style of representing them.

A tapestry of my daily learnings and visits during my study trip in Himachal Pradesh, intricately woven with temple-inspired carvings and patterns, capturing the rhythm of everyday activities.

Exploring Himachal’s intricate carvings through the tangible wood, intangible beliefs, and the serenity of a personal conclusion in the form of info cards.

Bringing a narrative of a community craft, in the form of a futuristic tale that preserves Gundiyali’s pottery legacy, blending innovation with tradition and inspiring a commitment to cultural heritage.

Bringing colors to life: a monochrome world transformed through the artistry of Sankheda, connecting generations through vibrant craftsmanship.

A tribute to the precision and skill of Sankheda’s wood turning and lacquer artistry, making it look like seemless patterns and showcasing the vibrant transformation of lacquer.

The strength of metal and the mastery of Babu Kaka: a layered narrative of tools, process, and personality in the art of embossing.

Pixel by pixel: a geometric ode to block printing, capturing its process, motifs, and the vibrant colors that bring it to life.