© Farheen Fatima, from the series *Meet me in the garden*

Public parks are essential to the social fabric of modern India. Most cities, whether big or small, have parks that were created during the colonial era, as well as some that date back to medieval times. Even as they stand as testaments to the country’s complex history, they function as an equally compelling kaleidoscope of the present day. They are a rare respite of greenery in a rapidly urbanising nation, and remain one of the few publicly accessible spaces for recreation in a neo-liberal economy. In North India, especially, the parks hold a special significance in the family dynamic. Winter sunbathing is a ritual in almost every household; and families are often seen spending afternoons in the sun with packed picnic lunches. In the summer months, parks become a place of pilgrimage for those on their evening walk or “shaam ki sair.” Tree-shaded nooks offer couples a safe space to share intimacy, in a society that still frowns upon–or even penalises–public displays of affection. No matter the season, the weather or the time of day, public parks offer a glimpse into the lives of people as they seek out a space of communal comfort. The series comprises staged photographs, featuring the artist’s own friends, that she then overpaints. Taking inspiration from family albums and scenes from everyday life, the works are a portrait of the public park in north India, populated by people to whom it serves as a special space of leisure and intimacy.

“ In this series, I explore Indian gardens and the contemporary culture of leisure and recreation in North India, the intimate relationship people share, and the memories that gardens hold. I stage environmental portraits inspired by my own family archives and scenes from everyday scenery. ”

A selection of photographs from Meet me in the garden will be on view for the first time at PHOTOINK, Booth B3, from 9th to 12th February, 2023 at India Art Fair, New Delhi.

Follow Farheen's work @farheenay

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Photo Essay: 'Meet me in the garden' by Farheen Fatima