To Chandaa Narang, a Delhi based artist, the unreal world appears to be more real than the real world. Chandaa believes there's a whole new world out there to explore, experiment with and discover in the unreal world. In her latest work entitled, 'Darshan Shastra' she turns the metaphor of the head deity Ganesha, if not on its head, certainly towards different horizons.
Chandaa is fascinated by stories. Every piece of her sculpture has a well knit story.
Most of her sculptures are based on mythology where the stories of Ganesha take a modern twist. "Ganesha symbolises the absolute beginning of all creation. Ganapati is a natural element in every home. I am turned on by stories that immortalise everything. Each of my sculptures tells a different story," reasons Chandaa. She took some time off to share her perspectives on art, philosophy and religion with Metrolife.
Excerpts:
On her choice of art...
I work on the touch-feel synergy with stone, wood, resin, alchemy and of course, silverware. I believe simpler the piece of art, the more effective it is. Simple art evokes great meaning. It provokes different emotions, different moods at different times in different people. The shape and colour of the material can give off good aura. It can usher in a peace of mind and goodwill.
On mixing religion and art...
Religion is an absolute necessity. This is the only way of existence. I’ve based my art on stories from mythology.
Experiences gathered from documentary and film making...
I realised that the more rigid you are the less happy you will be. To yield is the key to happiness. The more you yield the happier you will be. Every bird and beast sings of the Supreme's power. The human being doesn't. On the contrary he doubts the very existence of God. It is man's ego that holds him back.
Philosophy of life...
There is no way to be happy. You are either happy or not happy. Stories you hear from your forefathers and grandparents are more effective than anything else. Simple stories fire my imagination and ignite a deep emotion in me.
Challenging set doctrines…
I am convinced of my own peace of mind. I want to build a paapiyo ka mandir for every human being who has the humility to recognise if and when he or she has sinned.
The sinners can walk into this mandir and lay down their feeling of guilt and fear without any inhibitions.
 The idea of the mandir is based on the concept of accept, love and judge not. This is one place a rapist, murderer and thief can come together. Society never gives these people a chance to reform.
Next big project...
The honeycomb has wax and every wax has a different aroma and different properties. I am going to study those properties and see how I can add positive energy to it. I will then introduce that energy into the form and shape of the material.