CIA 1, CIA 2 and CIA 3

NAME- BHAVYA DUSAD

ROLL NO.- 2333818
CLASS- 1 BSC PSYH A
SUBMITTED TO - LAKSHMI R. NAIR
(ENGLISH AND CULTURAL STUDIES)
 CIA 1
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER
 CIA 2
MEMOIRS OF GEISHA
NAME: BHAVYA DUSAD

CLASS: 1BscPSYH A

ROLL NO. : 2333818

SUBMITTED TO: LAKSHMI R. NAIR

(ENGLISH AND CULTURAL STUDIES)

"Memoirs of a Geisha," directed by Rob Marshall in 2005 and adapted from Arthur Golden's
novel that goes by the same name. The movie is about the journey of Chiyo, a young girl sold
into a Kyoto geisha house in the early 20th century and how under the mentorship of Mameha,
she transforms into the sought-after geisha Sayuri, mastering the arts of singing, dancing, and
conversation.

The film explores Sayuri's intricate relationships, societal changes in pre-World War II Japan,
and the balance between tradition and modernization. This film beautifully illustrates the delicate
balance geisha must strike between maintaining their identities and adhering to societal
expectations, it's a story of determination, transformation, and love within the world of Japanese
geisha culture, touching on themes of identity, sacrifice, and pursuing dreams ,offering a
captivating glimpse into a world characterized by grace, artistry, and complex human emotions.

The movie has a general air of grace and refinement about it, reflecting the affluent geisha world.
The characters' interactions with one another and their surroundings, as well as the meticulously
coordinated motions of the geishas during their dances and ceremonies, all contribute to the
aesthetic. It makes intentional use of color to express certain feelings and concepts. Rich reds
and golds are frequently used in scenes in the geisha district to represent the grandeur and charm
of that realm. In contrast, scenes set during a battle are frequently subdued, representing the
characters' sufferings and efforts.

The transformation of Chiyo into the geisha Sayuri is a central aspect of the film's aesthetic The
gorgeous kimonos and delicate geisha makeup emphasize the skill and attention to detail that go
into the geisha's look. This transformation symbolizes the character's internal and exterior
changes. The intricacy of face emotions is heavily emphasized throughout the movie, especially
in relation to the geishas' training. This artistic feature emphasizes the geisha's talent for
expressing complex emotions through controlled gestures and expression. In order to emphasize
the dichotomy of the characters' existence, the movie also graphically contrasts the glitzy façade
of the geisha with the brutal realities of their lives. Through the juxtaposition of pain and beauty,
this contrast deepens the aesthetic as a whole.

The aesthetic of the movie represents the cultural change taking place in Japan at the beginning
of the 20th century. Visually, the struggle between tradition and development is highlighted by
the juxtaposition between traditional geisha culture and the increasing modernism of Japan.
Traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and shakuhachi are used in the soundtrack of
the movie to create a distinctive audio experience that compliments the visual style and heightens
the immersion

To conclude "Memoirs of a Geisha" transports audiences to the realm of geishas and pre-war
Japan with its artistically and thematically rich and expertly produced style. Its use of color,
costume, symbolism, and character representation helps to create a cinematic experience that is
both multi-layered and emotionally impactful. The intricacy of the individuals and the cultural
setting in which they live are conveyed through this style in conjunction with the narrative.
 CIA 3
PAINTING
 NAME- BHAVYA DUSAD

ROLL NO.- 2333818

CLASS- 1 BSC PSYH A

SUBMITTED TO - LAKSHMI R. NAIR

(ENGLISH AND CULTURAL STUDIES)

The above painting is an untitled painting by Himmat Shah. He was born in 1933 in Lothal,
Gujarat, immersed in the Indus Valley remnants during his upbringing. Initially a drawing
teacher, he studied painting at M.S. University Baroda and pursued further education in Paris on
a French Government scholarship. As a key member of Group 1890, he explores diverse art
forms but predominantly identifies as a sculptor, renowned for his innovative terracotta and
bronze sculptures, particularly the heads. His work has been widely exhibited in India and
internationally, earning him prestigious awards. He made this particular painting using the
technique of lithography and chin-colle on paper in the year 2002.

Lithography is a printmaking technique involving drawing on a treated surface like stone or

metal, transferring the image onto paper using ink and a press. Whereas Chine-collé is a method
where thin, colorful papers adhere to a heavier one during printing by using adhesive. When
these both are combined, lithography prints onto lightweight chine-collé paper, which is
simultaneously affixed to a thicker paper during printing. This results in layered textures and
varied colors, creating a unique visual blend, expanding creative possibilities in printmaking.

Within the artwork, a prominent depiction resembling the flag of Japan appears in the
background. Over this flag, there are bold black strokes, seemingly chaotic and distressed,
among which faint figures of distressed individuals emerge. These figures, though partially
obscured by the black strokes, convey a sense of anguish or suffering, adding a layer of
emotional depth and complexity to the overall composition

The Japanese flag, characterized by a white backdrop adorned with a bold, red circle at its center,
embodies a profound aesthetic rooted in simplicity and symbolism. This design, distinguished by
its vivid red against a pristine white canvas, exudes an elegant minimalism that is immediately
recognizable. This minimalism aligns harmoniously with traditional Japanese aesthetics, notably
reminiscent of "wabi-sabi," esteeming simplicity, modesty, and the allure found within
imperfections and the transient nature of things.The red circle, symbolizing the sun, carries a
visually compelling impact, evoking the imagery of the rising sun while emphasizing the
significance of light, warmth, and fresh beginnings. The use of basic geometric shapes and
vibrant colors in the flag's composition contributes to its enduring visual appeal and striking
power.

The Japanese flag, tracing back to ancient sun motifs revered in Shinto beliefs, holds ties to
Japan's imperial history during the Meiji Restoration in 1870. Symbolizing the emperor and the
state, it's been associated with Japan's past militaristic endeavors and colonial aspirations. Today,
its historical context triggers debates due to wartime actions. The flag's simple design merges
with a profound historical narrative, representing Japan's cultural, imperial, and wartime past.

The distressed figures overlaid on the flag surrounded by random strokes appear to symbolize the
anguish experienced by the Japanese people during the Great Hanshin Earthquake, commonly
known as the Kobe earthquake. This seismic disaster struck Japan on January 17, 1995, leaving a
trail of extensive devastation. With nearly 6,500 lives lost, over 40,000 injured, and more than
300,000 rendered homeless due to collapsed buildings, the catastrophe profoundly disrupted
daily life. The aftermath induced emotional trauma, economic instability, and significant social
and psychological impact on the affected population. This tragic event underscored the
vulnerability of infrastructure to seismic shocks, underscoring the critical need for disaster
preparedness and fostering community resilience in the face of such calamities.
The use of the colour black by the artist may be because in art, the color black is a powerful tool
for conveying distress due to its multifaceted nature and is often associated with feelings of
mourning, grief, and heaviness. The deep emotional weight that black carries makes it
particularly suitable for expressing distress and sorrow in paintings.The contrast created by black
against lighter or brighter colors intensifies its impact, drawing attention and creating a focal
point. This stark contrast can heighten the emotional intensity within an artwork, emphasizing
the depicted distress or anguish. Symbolically, black represents the unknown, mystery, and even
death. This symbolism lends itself well to conveying the depth of distress or painful emotions. It
embodies a sense of the unknown or the void, capturing elements commonly associated with
distressing situations. Artists use black to define shadows and create depth within their
compositions. In the context of expressing distress, the use of black can symbolize the darkness
of pain or the depth of a difficult situation, adding layers of emotional depth to the artwork.
Furthermore, historically and culturally, black has been linked with mourning and tragedy. These
associations over time have solidified its common use in art to represent distress, adding a layer
of cultural context and historical significance to its use in portraying emotional pain and
suffering.

To conclude, The artwork stands as a testament to the skillful fusion of aesthetic brilliance and
emotional resonance. It masterfully captures the tragic narrative of the Japanese people, stirring
deep and profound emotions of sorrow, empathy, and compassion within the observer. Its
evocative portrayal delicately communicates the heartfelt tragedy, allowing viewers to connect
with the profound sadness and empathize with the pain experienced by the people of Japan.