Abodid Sahoo

Abodid is a multidisciplinary artist from India known for his evocative and immersive storytelling experiences that blend photography, film, sound, writing, sculpture, and performance. With a keen interest in understanding human behaviours and a transdisciplinary approach to storytelling, Abodid creates narratives that delve into nostalgia, introspection, and the interplay between past and present.

Drawing on his roots in Baripada, a culturally rich town in Odisha, Abodid's artistic practice is influenced by his love for art, music, and dance. While pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, he discovered his passion for dance, music, photography, and films. Being an active member of the dance and film clubs during his engineering days allowed Abodid to enhance his skills and deepen his understanding of the medium as a means of self-expression.

After completing his studies, Abodid moved to Mumbai, the bustling hub of India's entertainment industry, to pursue his creative endeavours. Immersing himself in the vibrant arts scene of Mumbai, he dived into the world of advertising and commercials, collaborating with ad agencies and lifestyle brands. He has been a freelance director and editor for global ad agencies like Animal and Wieden+ Kennedy and produced visual works for companies like Budweiser. Through these experiences, Abodid further refined his artistic voice and continued to explore the medium in new and innovative ways.

Eager to deepen his knowledge in visual media, Abodid briefly studied film and video communication at the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad. However, an exciting opportunity awaited him at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, where he was awarded the "The Apple Scholarship" to pursue his studies in the Digital Direction program.

Abodid's education, exposure and interaction with the outside world have sparked his interest in a plethora of subjects. His interest in psychology and human behaviour motivates him to explore psychotherapy, neuroscience and tools like EEG in his practice. 

Abodid's artistic practice reflects his diverse background in performance, music, photography, and film. Rooted in his cultural heritage and influenced by his journey from Baripada to Mumbai and now London, his work invites audiences on a journey of exploration and self-discovery. Through his relentless questioning and challenging of the medium, Abodid strives to create immersive narratives that provoke thought, reflection, and emotional connection.

Grounded in the concept of Hauntology, the project sheds light on the lingering impact of unresolved emotions and memories. The project aims to understand the complex emotional states that intertwine memory and loss. It captures the dissonance between absence and presence, evoking a profound sense of longing and resignation. 

Drawing inspiration from Roland Barthes' concept of the punctum, the poignant detail in an image that evokes a deeply personal and emotional response, I dive deep into my personal archive to search for images that evoke vivid memories of the pivotal moments in my life. With an autoethnographic approach, I excavate memories and engage in intimate conversations with family, friends, and strangers. In the process, I explore my insecurities and strengths and gain a profound understanding of myself. The project seeks to illuminate the transformative power of love and death and shed light on the haunting allure of unrequited love and grief.

The project becomes a space where performance breathes soul into narratives, and writing unveils the depths of our inner worlds. The project creates an intimate sanctuary for contemplation, connection, and the profound exploration of the intricate tapestries that weave our narratives. Performance acts as a vessel, bringing forth raw emotions and experiences to spark empathy and understanding. Performative writing unveils the closely acquainted narratives etched upon the pages, weaving a delicate web of vulnerability, introspection, and self-discovery. And within the therapeutic embrace of phototherapy, the project harnesses the healing power of the image-making process and images, fostering personal growth and transformation.

Amidst the gentle melancholia that permeates the air, we are reminded of the transformative potential hidden within our deepest sorrows and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.