Unconventional is bit too ‘Un-conventional’

When I was on the way to my sister’s place who lives slightly away from the city, I happened to see a compound wall of an empty site in a deserted area that was filled with shrubs and hardly maintained. And on the same wall it was written - “If it’s worth a dream, it’s not worth a compromise”. I was taken aback reading that for a moment. The bold text and large font size covered the vast area of that wall, and, was quite visible even to the passerby on the move. Was thinking who could have had such an urge to paint statement like that in a lonely place as such. Of course, it’s possible that it could have been situation driven but, it took me by surprise as it surely was an 'unconventional' experience to me. And that’s what unconventional experience does to everyone, it 'surprises' them!

Recently, I happened to go through a book called ‘I like my Job’ written by Sarah Herman and targeted for all those who have worked in an office environment. The unique element of this book is that, the way the Author has captured and presented information in a graphical representation having few standard caricatures. It has humorous graphics and hilarious messages that can keep the reader on toes to finish reading the book in a single sitting. Had this been written in a conventional form, I think it wouldn’t have been this effective. The story line is so well tailor made and real, that, the efforts behind creating this book would have been a difficult task. That’s what it is... being unconventional is ‘not easy’!

I was at the Art gallery in Lavelle road few days ago to recommend an Artist cousin of mine. The gallery had some amazing works on display. As there were loads of them piled up, my eyes gazed through part of one painting which was hidden behind the other bigger one. As I peaked into it, it had a picture of very religious purohit holding a mask of a Joker in his hands near his face and tilting his head sideward having an extremely naughty smile. As an immediate effect, it brought a smile to my face. The painting looked so non-offensive. How could it? Anyway, it can be interpreted in any manner and might become acceptable to some and unacceptable to many. And that’s the way it is. Unconventional has to fight its ‘acceptance’ at times!

Having watched plenty of movies in different languages, till date, I haven’t come across the kind of role the Mexican beauty, Salma Hayek had played in a movie called ‘Frida’. In my view, it was the toughest role one could have ever played. The emotions, the longings and the tolerance, the pain were so nicely portrayed by her in that kind of unconventional localized role that, I couldn't imagine her efforts to understand and bring out such an intrinsic and moving character onto the motion picture. She looks to be so indulged in that versatile character that inturn, makes the one watching it get completely involved. And anyway unconventional demands for ‘Indulgence’!

Anytime, in any era, people get excited to read something new, watch something new or experience something new or just do something new. ‘New’ is always exciting. And now a days it’s happening so much be it in any field as, ‘variety’ is the new ingredient of the fast paced world. As Andy Warhol says, “In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes”! Even if it is to be famous or not, creating something unconventional will make you ‘die’ in the process to live and experience that one moment. And anyway…unconventional is bit too ‘un-conventional’!

Signing off for now,

Achu