Firangi Rang Barangi (Hindi for "Colourful Stranger") explores the relationship between identity, dress and hybridity. Combining North American street style with Indian textiles, garments and jewellery, this series re-imagines identity across borders.
Series
Firangi Rang Barangi
Created
2009-2012
Medium
Acrylic & pencil on paper
Dimensions
Varied
2010
Ila
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
27 in. x 55 in.
Ila's look combines casually cuffed trousers with gold zari fan-pleated waist piece reminiscent of Bharatnatyam dance attire. She rocks a kurta with mirrored waist chain and a geometric bomber jacket with wide lapels.
2009
Jaan
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper.
18 in. x 50 in.
aan wears a classic fitted salwar kameez with a handloom, block-printed voluminous chunni and matching choker, necklace, bracelet set.
2010
Mala
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
38 in. x 59 in.
Translating the style statement of a decorated General in the army, Mala mixes patterns and colours across her blouse and sari worn in the classic back-to-front Gujarati style. Her sophisticated look is bolstered by thick-framed vintage frames from the 70s, a large deep red bindi and sindoor.
2009
Maya
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
30 in. x 50 in.
long mirrored parandhi drapes the front of Maya's single-strap dress referencing pattern history. A bold yoke-like necklace let's everyone know who's calling the shots.
2009
Pyaari
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
25 in. x 50 in.
Pyaari revels in her badassery with a combination striped ombre sari blouse worn with psychedelic art trousers and a floral headscarf. She channels the 80s with an armful of chunky square bracelets to complete the look.
2009
Rani
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
21 in. x 50 in.
An immaculately pleated sari of varying rhombus and stepped patterns is combined with traditional Punjabi kaliras worn in a very non-traditional way. Her three-panel statement necklace make for an unforgettable look.
2009
Sahiba
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
24 in. x 49 in.
Arresting the gaze with a Bedouin-inspired burqa and an elaborate nose chain, Sahiba wears a three-piece ghagra choli and heavy Banjara anklets.
2010
Shabana
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
28 in. x 43 in.
Shabana rocks hybrid streetwear with geometric tights layered under canary hot pants. She protects herself with a soft pink floral chunni over her head, recalling her maternal ancestors.
2010
Sitara
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper.
35 in. x 59 in.
Sitara expresses a love for shades of blue with a classic Mughal-inspired shawl, floral evening gloves and a belted kurta layered with a fringe. Her fire red heels and single payal pull the outfit together.
2010
Tamana
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
27 in. x 60 in.
Wearing a multi-layered gown inspired by the maxi, Tamana create a style statement with layers of pattern history. Her ambi brooch and sari keychain suggest a knack for repurposing classic accessories in a bold new way.
2012
Lucky
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
33 in. x 57 in.
Lucky wears a kurta embellished with elbow pads and army rank shoulder stripes combining them with classic Horn-rimmed glasses, herringbone socks and a Khanda turban pin.
2012
Prem
Acrylic and pencil on paper
40 in. x 67 in.
A fearless combination of madras check lungi topped with a zippered hoodie, Prem knows he doesn’t need to give up his chappals and dupatta to wear a fitted cap.
2012
Akbar
Acrylic, ink and pencil on paper
23 in. x 54 in.
Akbar combines a contemporary fitted cap and backpack with a peacock embellished churidar and mojaris. An argyle vest pulls together his street style.
2012
Joseph
Acrylic and pencil on paper
41 in. x 66 in.
Joseph’s patiala salwar is topped with a shawl inspired by the Kullu and Kinnauri designs of Himachal Pradesh. Cap Toe Oxfords nod to his cosmopolitan look.
2012
Shiva
Acrylic and pencil on paper
Approx. 34 in. x 58 in.
Shiva combines a Rajasthani turban and shoulder embellishments inspired by Indian marching bands with an argyle vest. An animal print bow tie pays homage to the deity after whom he is named.
2012
Vivek
Acrylic and pencil on paper
38 in. x 56 in.
Wearing a Nehru cap and bold kurta, Vivek flexes an opulent but casual look with rolled up trousers and blue Bata chappals.
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Firangi Rang Barangi (Hindi for "Colourful Stranger") explores the relationship between identity, dress and hybridity. Combining North American street style with Indian textiles, garments and jewellery, this series re-imagines identity across borders.
These life-sized acrylic paintings exhibit a fearless use of colour, bold pattern and finely rendered detail. These Firangis are equally at home in New York and New Delhi. Each is distinctive, layered with cultural history and personal style.