Durga Shree

The final outcome of this project is a series of circular acrylic paintings displayed along side a physical lantern. Together, they explore the relationship between perception and reality by presenting the same object through different ways of seeing. Although every painting features the same lantern, each one creates a different experience through changes in colour, light and atmosphere. Keeping the subject the same allowed me to focus on how small visual changes can completely transform the way an object is understood. This became an important part of the project, as it reflects my interest in how perception shapes our experience of reality. I chose to work on circular canvases because I wanted to move away from the traditional rectangular format. The circular shape felt more connected to the idea of perception, suggesting something continuous rather than fixed. It also encouraged me to think differently about composition and how the viewer’s eye moves around the painting. Including the real lantern in the installation was an important decision. It gives viewers a chance to compare the physical object with its painted versions and make their own connections between reality and interpretation. I wanted the installation to feel open, allowing people to spend time with the work and form their own understanding rather than leading them towards one specific meaning. During the installation, I experimented with adding thread to connect the paintings. After spending time with idea, I realized it took attention away from the paintings instead of supporting them. Choosing not to include it was an important decision. Keeping the installation simple allowed the paintings, the lantern and the surrounding space to work together without unnecessary distractions.