Stupid Eye as a concept has its roots stemming from both our
lives – Vipul and mine. Since the time I was in college I have always wanted to
and in several ways worked on amalgamating psychology with photography. Vipul
on the other hand is a brilliant photographer and someone who lives his life by
looking within and growing with every experience. He and I have been best
friends first and work associates later.
One day in Mumbai, while I was working from my apartment in
Bandra I suddenly get a notification on Facebook saying that Vipul and I are
hosting an event called Stupid Eye!
I give Vipul a frantic call and ask him what is it that we are
planning?
His response: “I don’t know! I just want to do something!”….
What had actually happened was that while driving back to his
house from his office he was about to meet with a terrible accident which, made
him lose his temper…however before acting out - for that split second - he
looked within - stopped and drove back home – bringing us to the christening of
“Stupid Eye”; as these were the
first two words that came to his mind.
Well post that Stupid Eye just seemed to have a calling of its
own! We invited people to tell us how would they like to be photographed. From
these we derived three themes –
Real Self
Ideal Self
Self-Actualization
These themes form the basis of Stupid Eye. The idea is to
capture the most honest true self of these individuals into one photograph
which will work as a barometer for them in their life’s journey.
Psychology and Photography both involve one important
element – People.
Both Ps help explore most aspects of the third P - being an
individual and looking at one self within and without.
People
and their individualities is another most crucial aspect of Stupid
Eye.
Stupid
Eye uses eclectic therapy i.e. the
psychological treatments and therapeutic relationship are customized to the
specific needs of the participant, for the sole purpose of helping them as
effectively and as quickly as possible.
The art of photography involves creating
imagery and visuals. Stupid Eye uses this art to custom design an image for
participants, which reveals their innermost core. Visuals enhance assimilation
of information in the brain and provide the brain with something concrete to
process, hence assisting therapy. Photography is used as an extension to
therapy, so as to enhance and maintain therapeutic effectiveness.
The
beauty about people is that they are ever changing and ever evolving. During
the process of the photo-shoot coupled with therapeutic intervention these
individuals explore and travel through several layers of their self. This is
the time when Vipul has to capture that moment when they are being at their
absolute true self – which means that while make them travel, Vipul constantly
has to alter his set and lighting to capture that perfect shot while being in
sync with the individual. During the process it is mandatory that the
individual, Vipul and I be completely tuned in to the same wavelength hence
assisting each other.
I
truly believe that each person who went through the process has been so brave.
It takes a lot to be honest to oneself and even more to let the world see that
naked truth.
Thank
you for letting us with each frame gain new perspective and greater faith in
life.
