The streets have been graced with the presence of Pano, a big doll head conceptualized by Sanskriti Sharma, a fashion graduate from Jaipur. Pano is not just an escape from the unpleasant and painful, but a manifestation of the different characters and feelings within each one of us. It encourages escapism, which is often frowned upon, to be viewed in a positive light. The figure has been painted by Madhubani artists from Bihar, whose expressive eyes were modelled after those of the doll. Sharma drew inspiration from her mother, who is also a fashion designer.
Pano is portrayed an adventurous character who embarks on journeys to various towns and cities, frequently forging new friendships with bystanders and engaging in exciting and amusing escapades. Pano is part of a series that showcases its versatile and inclusive nature. In the “Rising in Love” series, Pano is depicted in a relationship with a woman, promoting the LGBTQ+ movement and the message that love knows no boundaries. Shot in collaboration with a blogger from Bangladesh, the series demonstrates the purity of love that blossoms. “There is no right or wrong in love. There is a chemistry between the two individuals, and the series wants to show what they share,” says Sharma. The same series is also an ode to sarees, the versatile Indian garment that works on every body type.
In her more recent ‘Beautiful Boulevard’ series, Pano is seen traversing thought shopping districts, such as Janpath in Delhi. She indulges in some “me-time,” and admires different trinkets and articles. The series is also accompanied by poems, written by Sharma herself, that express the doll’s thoughts.
Through Pano, Sharma has broken barriers, presented out-of-the-box ideas, and given voice to dormant fantasies and thoughts. The character represents feelings, emotions, desires and dreams that manifest themselves in varied ways. Pano proves to be an antidote to ugly realities. In a time when artists are breaking barriers and presenting out-of-the-box ideas, Pano’s escapism offers a refreshing perspective, giving vent to fantasies and thoughts lying dormant.
Words by: Maithili Chakravarty
Photographed by: Ishant Raj Kohli