Meet GFF Talent, Shivangi Agiwal, a Fashion Communication student at Northumbria University. She was inspired to explore her identity as a South Asian woman through her final project, a magazine called Kali. “Kali takes the form of a printed magazine, exploring the quintessence of womanhood and the many contradictions that come with it. It investigates many an issue faced by women, specifically South Asian women like me, visualised through editorial inspired photography and styling,” Shivangi says. To learn more, read on below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
Coming to Northumbria, in general and the UK, in particular, has taught the importance of my voice and the power it holds. When I first started, I found myself always trying to fit in amongst my peers, trying to adapt to their styles. However, my tutors constantly pushed me to be more original and truer to myself and explore things that may seem odd out of the lot, however that 'oddity' has now my become my style of work and what sets me apart from the others.
My position as a South-Asian female has become vocal across my work and life alike and the realisation of it has made me stand up for the things that I was taught did not matter. I am now aware of the strength I hold and how it can used to initiate necessary and positive change in society.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
Being a girl in South Asian culture has always been tough and is in many ways toxic and overpowering. Since childhood, I’ve spent my life fighting for rights and revolting against the gender norms that were imposed upon me. I’m told to do things which my male counterpart would never even remotely do and that angers me. Why would women have to be something that society wants? This anger has been the sole driver and inspiration for my magazine, Kali.
What form will your project take?
Kali takes the form of a printed magazine, exploring the quintessence of womanhood and the many contradictions that come with it. It investigates many an issue faced by women, specifically South Asian women like me, visualised through editorial inspired photography and styling. It contains written creative pieces such as articles and poems posing questions important to the very purpose of being a woman.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas and what have you learnt along the way?
My initial idea for my final major project was to capture womanhood however it felt vague and needed a specific direction to focus on. With the help of my tutors, I realised that the base of my anger against patriarchy stemmed from my own experience, so I decided to focus on the South Asian culture and how it treats women.
Making this project into an editorial magazine led me to multitask and learn important skills such as the production of a shoot and more. I learned and explored more about the history of patriarchy in my culture through religious texts and that formed the base of Kali, named after the goddess Kali in Hinduism. I found out that my society has no issue worshipping powerful females as goddesses, however when a woman 'steps out of her place', she is instantaneously condemned.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
The key theme behind my project is definitely feminism and the key message I want people to take away from Kali is the beautiful power that women possess. Women everywhere are expected to be so much more than men and do only the things that the society wants and deems fit, but what of the needs and wants of the women in question? Kali ensures that women are heard, their doubts are considered and that they most certainly are not alone in their scary journeys against patriarchy. Kali makes women feel secure in their selves and constantly reinstates that women are no less than goddesses!
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I feel Orientalism and the portrayal of South Asia in Fashion and media is something I want to fight against and that can only be made possible by voicing my opinion and showing South Asia through my own gaze. I want to change how South Asia is perceived in Fashion and media through fashion photography, styling and mixed media.
What is your plan once you finish your BA?
Soon after graduation, I hope to end up as an editorial photographer or stylist in the future. Everything seems so uncertain today however I know I want to continue to make change by giving voice and power to women like me. I hope to make a positive impact in Fashion and media through my South Asian gaze and creative work, whatever form it may take. The hope for change inspires and drives my current work and actions and helps me look forward to my career in Fashion!