Dreams Deferred

In this series, I portray the life of migrant workers during the dark period of COVID-19, which abruptly ended many restless souls before they could fulfill their dreams. I was deeply impacted by a tragic incident in India where migrant laborers, due to a lack of transportation, slept on a rail track and were killed by a train. This series uses the symbol of a bolster to ironically represent their deathbed dreams of a luxurious life, capturing the stark contrast between their harsh realities and unfulfilled desires.

The bolster, often associated with comfort and rest, becomes a poignant metaphor for the unfulfilled desires and ambitions that were cruelly cut short by the pandemic. It serves as a silent witness to the dreams that were never realized, embodying both the hope and despair experienced by migrant workers during this challenging time.

By focusing on the migrant worker's experience, I seek to shed light on the often-overlooked narratives of those who form the backbone of our societies yet remain marginalized and vulnerable. This series is a tribute to their strength and perseverance, highlighting the human cost of the pandemic and the enduring spirit of those who continue to dream despite the odds.