Body positivity: young artist garners attention on Instagram for her frames

Her work has been shared on international handles like @feminist (2.7M followers) and @freeda (1.4M followers)
Work by Anjana Dev
Work by Anjana Dev

Social media has a clear advantage over traditional mass communication channels—the diversity of voices. Millennials and Gen Z now have access to different perspectives, uncoloured by the prejudices of limited sources.

Kochi’s youngsters are not far behind in making their voice heard among the clatter on internet platforms. One such is that of Kakkanad-based artist Anjana Dev whose work on feminism and body positivity has been shared on international handles like @feminist (2.7M followers) and @freeda (1.4M followers).

“I grew up with so many insecurities including skin colour. So, I wanted to be a person who puts it out there that beauty doesn’t conform to a definite standard set by industries,” says Anjana, who is currently pursuing a fashion communication course at National Institute of Fashion Technology in Kannur.

Developing an idea

Anjana says that her exposure to a liberal community on the campus was important in her developing her interest in photography. 

“I worked on themes related to body positivity as a part of an academic project. When this fetched me a good response on Instagram, I was inspired to do more. It is a reward even if my photographs help one person out there,” she says.

Starting with portraits of women, she now removes the veil from diverse physical characteristics like body shapes, pimples and stretch marks. “Most advertisements and brand shoots feature only models who are ‘ideal.’ I try to present different body types through my frames,” informs the 21-year-old.

In the course of the conversation, we ask the lenswoman if a change can occur in the industry she is working in. The answer is positive from the artist who is currently collaborating with the US-based gender-neutral and sustainable label, Chnge. Exploring beyond these medium and themes, Anjana is 
currently learning animation and developing ideas based on environmentalism.

— Jose Joy  

E-mail: josejoy@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @killjoyjose

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