Untitled – Photograph 3

Series nameKnives Series
Description

This image belongs to Samena Rana’s ‘Knives Series’and shows symbols associated with dancing such as shoes, ‘payal’ or anklets, and a knife, arranged on red fabric. This photograph comments on the concept of disability and sensuality existing as opposites.

Date of Creation / PublicationUnknown
CreatorRana, Samena
Associated Person/ Organisation
Location
Collection and Reference NumberSamena Rana (GB 2661 SR)
Catalogue NumberSR/FW/KS/3
CopyrightThe Creator and/ or associated person or organisation where applicable
Access to originalsThe originals are located at the Panchayat Archive, University of Westminster.
Series notesThe Knives Series juxtaposes various symbolic and cultural attributes that are associated with femininity such as shoes, jewellery and rich textiles, with sharp and bold imagery such as knives and glass. These pictures also highlight the coexistence of dangerous and sensual elements. The motif of the knife often disrupts the serenity of the composition and introduces an element of danger, a reminder of the point at which Samena Rana became disabled.
Collection notesThe Samena Rana collection includes material from her main bodies of photographic work: the 'Flow of Water Series', the 'Arrangement Series', the 'Disability Series' and other biographical material. The digitised items include mainly colour and black and white photographs.
Dorney, Camille, 'Tribute to Samena Rana' in Third Text. No 20. Autumn 1992 (pp114)