# Vibrant Deity Photos 'Darshan' Comprises Photographically Recreated Images of Hindu Gods By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-08 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darshan References: [artsy.net](https://artsy.net/show/richard-levy-gallery-manjari-sharma-darshan) & [manjarisharma](http://manjarisharma.com/darshan) 'Darshan' by Manjari Sharma is a continuing series of photographically recreated images of Hindu deities. 'Darshan' is a Sanskrit term that refers a glimpse or apparition of God. The series aims to explore the delicate relationship between photography and representation. Sharma, who was born in India and moved to the US, created Darshan to deconstruct [Hindu mythologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anita-dongre) and turn multidimensional representations of paintings and sculptures of Hindu Gods into two-dimensional photographs. The images invite viewers to look at the photographs as tools of spiritual engagement. Each image was captured only after exhaustive research on the associated mythical figure and the implementation of elaborate props, sets, prosthetics, make-up, costumes and jewelry. 'Darshan' aims to bridge the gap between the [rituals and ceremonies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bindu-project) of her parents and her own mythology and beliefs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Recreated Deity Images:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new ways to recreate and represent religious deities through photography. - **Engaging Spiritual Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating photography as a tool for spiritual engagement. - **Bridging Rituals and Beliefs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing methods to bridge cultural rituals and personal beliefs through visual representation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovating new techniques and technologies in art and photography to enhance the visual representation of deities. - **Religious and Spiritual Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing and producing products that facilitate spiritual engagement and bridge the gap between rituals and personal beliefs. - **Cultural Heritage Preservation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging technology and innovation to preserve and showcase cultural heritage in a contemporary and engaging manner. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Temple-Inspired Striking Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abin-design-studio.md) - [Spiritually Inspired Artisanal Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triris.md) - [Whimsical Spirit Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima.md) - [Diwali Table Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homegoods-diwali-collection.md) - [Mesmerizing Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesmerizing-sculpture.md) - [Enlightenment-Inspired Ceramic Lamp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/namaste-lamp.md) - [Intersecting Dimensional Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diorama.md) - [Culturally Enriched Jewelry Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-diwali-season.md) - [Culturally Artful Textile Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/devotion-exhibtion.md)