Art in the Time of Isolation by Mehandee Meera Dureja

Mehandee Meera Dureja, the founder of the footwear label Banjaaran, is also an artist who likes to create artworks inspired by ethnic Indian culture but reinterpreted in a contemporary context. Dureja blends her artistic sensibilities into her footwear designs. The shoes that she creates are an amalgamation of various techniques and graphics. 
“The process starts with a mood and inspiration in place. We later translate this inspiration into a tangible form in terms of material, color and silhouette, followed by graphics and illustrations, which are then projected onto handmade patterns,” explains Dureja. 

Banjaaran’s collections use a blend of textiles sourced from various parts of the country. At times, Dureja develops her own textiles in collaboration with craftsmen and fuses them with leather using different techniques. The artworks are created on the shoes through prints or embroideries. “Artworks and illustrations have been an integral part of my design process for as long as I can remember. They help me translate my inspiration into concepts,” says Dureja.  

Art is also a strong medium of expression for Dureja. “My art highlights issues I feel strongly about. My emotions and experiences shape what I create,” she says. In the midst of a lockdown with the coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of abating, she finds solace in art. “Amidst of fear and isolation, art teaches us that profound, positive change is possible,” she adds. 

We asked Dureja to create a special artwork for Cosmopolitan India’s Work From Home issue and her illustration titled ‘Locked Down With My Inner Voice’ looks at how the COVID 19 explores the effect of COVID-19 on one's mental health. "Social distancing has deeply affected people's psyche. With a 50% spike in distress calls from children, domestic violence, and suicides during the lockdown, it is imperative to talk about mental health, especially now, when so many of us are in need of assistance and are looking for a grain of optimism. At a time when all else seems to be falling apart, let us commit to simple acts of kindness—including kindness towards oneself. Let’s rely on forming and cherishing connections (all while social distancing!), and finding resilience,” Dureja concludes.

Here's a look at her artwork: