Maya: The Birth of a Superhero – A Journey of Self-Discovery
Step into a world like no other, where you embark on a surreal adventure riding a giant tampon across a blood red lagoon. This is the extraordinary story of Maya, a menstruating superhero, brought to life by artist-activist Poulomi Basu in a groundbreaking interactive virtual reality and immersive animated film. Brace yourself as you face off against a cyclopean octopus, cruel teenagers, and even your own mother in your bedroom.
Co-directed by Basu’s longtime collaborator CJ Clarke, Maya: The Birth of a Superhero is not your average coming-of-age tale. It’s a fun and poignant romp that empowers and challenges the status quo. Part superhero satire, part psychological thriller, this genre-bending masterpiece takes interactive storytelling to a whole new level.
Strap on the VR headset and find yourself transported to a dystopian version of London, where you become the modern-day Maya. Voiced by the talented Charithra Chandran (known for her role in Bridgerton), Maya’s journey unfolds over 30 minutes. You’ll navigate through school, facing the excruciating moment of getting your period in front of your classmates. But that’s just the beginning. Prepare to battle demons, unlock the wisdom of ancient eastern philosophy, and confront the pain symbolized by a giant octopus, mirroring Basu’s own experience with endometriosis.
Maya is not just visually stunning; it’s an immersive experience that tugs at your heartstrings. The hand-drawn animation by Basu herself, using Quill, creates magical and painterly moments that will leave you breathless. Accompanied by an original soundtrack by Bishi Bhattacharya, Maya is a staunchly feminist work that also embraces humor. It offers a unique perspective on menstruation, a topic that continues to be stigmatized globally.
Poulomi Basu has a history of challenging societal norms through her art. In her previous work, Blood Speaks, she shed light on menstrual exile and helped change laws in Nepal. Now, with Maya, she unites the experiences of women from the East and West, transforming shame into a superpower.
But Maya is not the only journey Basu takes us on. Her solo exhibition, Fireflies, explores the theme of emancipation, freedom, and joy. It delves into the global epidemic of domestic violence against women, with Basu turning her camera on herself and her mother, both survivors of male violence. Through staged portraits, Basu confronts the trauma passed down through generations and searches for a way out. The images are powerful, often unsettling, and evoke a sense of pain and silence.
Using Petrarchan motifs and blending them with ecofeminism, Basu creates a journey that feels both familiar and otherworldly. In her experimental film piece, presented across two screens, she combines speculative fiction with the testimony of a lone survivor living on a barren planet. This work explores how trauma shapes existence and perception.
Basu’s art is not for everyone; it challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. But for those willing to explore new mediums and embrace powerful narratives, it is a galvanizing and unforgettable experience. Poulomi Basu: Fireflies is currently exhibited at East Gallery, Norwich University of the Arts, and Maya: The Birth of a Superhero was showcased at the V&A, London, as part of the Digital Design Weekend. The film will be released online in 2024.
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