HANDS THAT SPEAK

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Exhibition Design
Photography
Typography
Motion design

Mentor: Jennifer Cole Philips, Ellen Lupton

“Hands That Speak” is an exhibition that explores the relationship between Hasta Mudras and visual design, transforming ancient hand gestures into a visual and performative experience. Rooted in Indian classical dance, the exhibition uses design not only as an aesthetic medium, but also as a tool for learning, preservation, and emotional connection. In Sanskrit, hasta means “hand” and mudra means “gesture”; together, they refer to a system of symbolic hand gestures used in Indian classical dance.

The exhibition is inspired by the way a single gesture can carry multiple meanings, representing objects, emotions, and narratives through movement.

Installation

At the heart of the experience stands a 24-foot-tall installation featuring five banners, each illustrating different Hasta Mudras (hand gestures) along with their meanings and uses, conveyed through a blend of photography and typography.

Video

To deepen the understanding of this concept, a supporting video is displayed in front of the banners, exploring the Navarasa through a combination of photography, motion, and typography.

Publication

Hands That Speak is an illustrated workbook that guides readers through the history and fundamentals of Hasta Mudras and Navarasa, leading into their practical application. It combines clear explanations, hands-on exercises, and personal examples to make the learning process engaging and accessible. Designed with a consistent grid, custom infographics, and a strong typographic hierarchy, the book features defined margins, color accents, and type scales that demonstrate effective publication design. This practical guide brings together classical dance hand gesture theory and layout principles, helping both designers and dancers understand and apply Hasta Mudras step by step.

Standing alongside mentors Jennifer Cole Phillips,
Ellen Lupton and Jeff Glendening

© PriyankaBhalerao. All rights reserved.

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