Sati: A Comic Book Inspired by Indian Culture and Van Gogh

A Unique Perspective on the Tradition of Sati

Inspired by her Indian culture and religious beliefs, Simran Tapadia embarked on a journey to shed light on the tradition of Sati. India's diverse culture and history provided the perfect backdrop for her exploration. While illustrations of Sati are not uncommon, Tapadia wanted to delve deeper and showcase the other side of this ritual. Through her use of colors and emotions expressed on each page, readers can truly feel the pain and sacrifices made by these women in the name of religion.

What sets Sati apart is the combination of the chosen story and design. Tapadia carefully crafted the narrative to capture the essence of the entire ritual, allowing readers to experience a moment of awe. The use of Van Gogh's art style in storytelling is a unique twist that adds another layer of depth to the comic book. Never before has Sati been depicted in this manner, merging Indian folklore with the iconic style of Van Gogh.

The realization of Sati presented its own set of challenges. Tapadia began the project in October 2018, dividing the story into 12 parts. The main challenge was capturing the flow of emotions and thoughts through Van Gogh's distinctive brushwork. However, the most enjoyable aspect was adding colors to the storyboard. Despite the digital medium, Tapadia's love for colors shines through on each page.

With a page size of 6.9 x 9.8 inches, Sati spans 9 spreads and a total of 20 pages. The comic book features splash page artworks and poetic text, creating an immersive and engaging experience for readers.

Tapadia's research for Sati involved delving into real-life experiences and stories of Sati. She explored firsthand accounts, including the diary of a British officer who witnessed the ritual. Storyboarding played a crucial role in capturing the flow of the story and emotions from one page to another. Finding the right colors to convey the mood and evoke the desired emotions was also a significant part of the creative process.

Sati has received recognition for its unique design and storytelling. In 2020, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Sati's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world.

Simran Tapadia's Sati is a testament to the power of art and storytelling. By reimagining a traditional Indian ritual through the lens of Van Gogh's art style, Tapadia offers readers a fresh perspective on a historical tradition. Through colors, emotions, and captivating storytelling, Sati brings to life the sacrifices and experiences of the women who participated in this ritual.