In Vasvi Oza’s Lal Pahaad (Red Mountain) the story plays out a little differently. Colours take a precedence over the narrative. Believing that the approach aids her concept, Vasvi says, “I want people to read the colours and interpret the story according to their understanding of colours. The story is open-ended which is why I thought, an approach like this might work. Colours do play a crucial role in my practice and the German Expressionist Paul Klee has been a constant riddle and inspiration for me.”
Designed like an accordion picture book, it was displayed at the recently held at the World Book Fair 2018 in Delhi. Published by Eklavya, a Bhopal-based NGO working in the field of children's literature, Vasvi’s story first appeared in Chakmak magazine in 2009.
“There also, it asked the readers to write their stories as they see it in the pictures and send it. I am not responsible for the design but yes it does draw curiosity. I was more concerned with lines, colours and shapes. The imagery is inspired by the Japanese storybooks. I just wanted to use the colours differently.”
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The story revolves around a tortoise and a red hill. One day, the tortoise decides to climb what looks like a scary red hill. “She struggles while climbing, gets frightened, shaken but decides to climb nevertheless. Once she reaches a considerable height, she realises that what looked like a hill to her was actually a beautiful tree with flowers, birds and butterflies.”
She illustrated the Malayalam storybook Poochakurinyar as part of the Different Tales project by Anveshi Research Centre for Women’s Studies, Hyderabad.
The former assistant curator at National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru, has even formed a web-based collective, blue jackal with friends, trained as artists who are also interested in comics, illustrations and storytelling. “We want to create a platform where people can share/discuss their passion for comics and graphic narratives.”
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