The Last moments of Transformation from Man to Tiger Moth

The man has strayed. He walks down crammed alleys awash in the carnal red of lamps and red sarees. The touch of sirens alluring, baiting him closer. Black glossed lips of prostitutes offering him a night he will never forget. In this sensual sea of flesh, he picks one, pays the fee and takes her to bed…

In the crimson glow of this night, he begins his transformation as she turns around and begins to undress:

The transformation, metamorphosis complete. He lays in the cradle of her red saree. She is shocked by his transformation but at the same time understands his need to let go and be. She rocks the saree, like a mother rocking a child and hums a tune, a lullaby- she barely remembers before she was sold to the whore houses of the city. The tiger moth is at peace, shuts his million eyes and goes to sleep.

…

Elancharan Gunasekaran is inspired by Dadaist movements, butoh and anarchism. He believes that humans are capable of governing themselves without the need of political systems. His art often involves experimenting with visual and literary forms on the raw aspects of the human condition, climate change and man-made/ natural phenomena.

* Shot on the Olympus TG6, in macro mode.

* Found on a dupatta (a long shawl or scarf), the tiger moth was not harmed in any way and continues to roam freely around the house.