Artist Fannan Raza channels his creativity with carpets

Carpeted Journey Within by Fannan Raza is a novel meeting of art, augmented reality and audio experiences 

There is nothing quite as intriguingly beautiful as a Persian carpet, feels Fannan Raza. The artist and interior designer has crafted over 25 pieces of these lovely “art in carpets”, currently on display at Sublime Galleria.

Apart from being strikingly eye-catching, these works of art come alive when one scans the QR code below the image. Waves wash on the shore, a leopard regally steps out of a carpeted veil , cats gaze at you with their innate hauteur and a bedecked hand-drawn rickshaw takes you down memory lane.

“I wanted viewers to understand what my work was about, even if I was not present to talk to them about it,” says Bengaluru-based Fannan, elaborating on why he chose the digital route for his art.

Fannan, who has also done the voiceover and scripting for each piece, says he was inspired by his father Syed Afham Raza. “He was an innovative engineer, constantly creating something or the other and as the youngest child at home, I got to accompany him on a lot of his projects.”

“I always looked up to him and when I grew up, I decided to get into designing. After qualifying in interior design, I also took up 3D and psychology in design as I was passionate about it,” he adds.

Unfortunately, Syed passed away four years ago and Fannan says he found a measure of solace in art. “Whenever I felt like reconnecting with my dad or find a way to express my emotions, it was always through art,” Fannan says, adding that he was always inspired by the artistry of Persian carpets.

“I did a lot of research before I got to designing my artwork. This exhibition is about my journey of loss and grief, how I coped after I lost my father. There are pieces, which talk about my suffocation, my vision and the paths that Life takes us on.”