36 Planes of Emotions
Shown at: Art Gallery of York University, Toronto (2011) | The Photographers’ Gallery, London (2012) | The Whitworth, Manchester (2017) |K21, Düsseldorf (2018)
Laser engraved acrylic glass, furniture, lighting (180 x 150 x 60 cm)
Graphic design: Amitabh Kumar + Satyabrata Ra
36 Planes of Emotions extends the palette of emotions to include states of collective potential. These are embodied in an assemblage of phrases, surfaces, and transparencies that enlist a cluster of invented collective nouns. The nouns etch enigmatic, invented states of being and emotions on to transparent acrylic surfaces. Light, words, perspex hues, and refractions produce their own whimsical annotations. The list of emotions is building upon a medieval Sanskrit manual of aesthetics, as well as the understanding that no one experiences a single emotion singularly – all affect is layered and multiple. Raqs make new collective nouns to hint at this complexity.
36 Planes of Emotions
A Chaos Of Awakened Wonders
A Museum Of Innocent Assumptions
A Transport Of Giddy Joys
A Geometry Of Angry Loves
A Furtherance Of Future Anticipations
A Clutch Of Uncertain Embarrassments
A Manufactory Of Rising Intoxications
A Cortege Of Cardinal Hungers
A Rustle Of Thoughtful Lusts
A Triumph Of Truant Stupors
A Volley Of Rising Whimsies
A Futility Of Sweaty Arrogances
A Latitude Of Languid Longings
An Inebriety Of Fluorescent Voices
A Scale Of Sliding Sorrows
A Largesse Of Generous Insanities
A Madness Of Measured Impotencies
A Fluster Of Surprised Kisses
A Fleet Of Fugitive Annoyances
A Bouquet Of Perfumed Cruelties
A Masquerade Of Moral Panics
A Perfection Of Sustained Fascinations
A Fizz Of Aroused Expectations
A Cabinet Of Morbid Contentments
A Thrall Of Trembling Envies
An Embrace Of Paralytic Seductions
An Artillery Of Inconstant Shames
A Picnic Of Nimble Choices
An Indulgence Of Frenetic Laxities
Carnival Of Misconstrued Disgusts
A Mosaic Of Minute Hopes
A Hydra Of Headstrong Desires
A Whisper Of Manic Mirths
A Sufferance Of Chewy Distinctions
An Eloquence Of Delighted Doubts
A Pleasure Of Sudden Dissimulation
