Grimm Reality: A Fresh Perspective on Fairytales

Akshita Chandra's Award-Winning Unbound Publication

Akshita Chandra's inspiration for 'Grimm Reality' stemmed from the Grimm Fairytales of Rapunzel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Red Riding Hood. The designer juxtaposes the tropes from these tales with recent incidents and statements from contemporary India, creating a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms and restrictions.

What sets 'Grimm Reality' apart is its unique format. The project comprises eight individual artworks, each based on one of the four fairytales and correlated to an incident or statement made in India. These artworks come together in a clamshell box, offering a dynamic, interactive experience. The artworks, complete with tabs, movable parts, and openable doors, invite the reader to engage with the narrative and build upon it.

Akshita Chandra's 'Grimm Reality' is a testament to the power of handcraft. Each piece of the project was meticulously cut and assembled by hand, reflecting the designer's dedication to her craft. The artworks vary in size, while the clamshell box measures 10.7 inches by 12.8 inches, making it a compact yet impactful collection.

The project, which commenced in January 2016 and concluded in April 2016, was a result of extensive research. Chandra's methodology involved publication and interview research, with tools primarily based on data collected through online articles, news sites, and published papers. The intention of the project is to critique societal norms and the judgment faced by girls for not adhering to them.

Despite the challenges faced during the research and production stages, including finding the best way to represent each statement or incident dynamically, 'Grimm Reality' emerged as a successful project. It was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design Award in 2019, a testament to its creative and professional excellence.