This series was developed as a visualisation of the mythological story of Hindu god Ganesh, who lost his human head when he was beheaded by his father Shiv. Shiv, upon feeling guilty about the beheading, “fixes” the issue– a loss– by replacing the human head with the head of an elephant. Mythical stories have traveled across centuries and they stand as a format of absolute teachings. The story of Ganesh’s beheading is meant to instruct us on how to face loss. It tells us that the sufferer has been showered with empathy and unbound love, and that he should accept what comes out of it to move on. 

I reflect on the different symbolisms that this mythical story brings with it. Is finding a quick fix for any loss the correct way to move forward? Does the act of reconstruction provide only a temporary relief? How do we, as humans, refer to such tales and decide to derive meanings which ultimately soothe us? Myths revolve around us as bridges that are supposed to guide and ultimately “help” us navigate life better, at the same time, it might do the opposite and leave us feeling stranded and alone. I have represented three different stages of the complexities one faces, upon facing loss. The hazy judgments, inability to decide and aloofness.