“Exploring the Human Condition: A Review of Kiriti Sengupta's ‘Oneness’” by Mateo De Leon

Oneness (Transcendent Zero Press, 2024), a captivating pamphlet of poetry by Kiriti Sengupta, a recipient of the 2018 Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize, offers a profound and diverse exploration of human experience with a rich tapestry of emotions, observations, and reflections. Sengupta’s work dives into various facets of life and society, letting the reader ponder themes of identity, communication, and loss and connection. He has published with MORIA in the past with his poem, "The Expectant Mother" in 2018’s Issue Two.
In fact, Sengupta’s talent is showcased in many publications, such as The Common, the Florida Review Online, and Outlook; this reflects his impact on the literary scene. He has a body of work, which includes 14 books of poetry and prose, showing his proficiency as a writer and editor. Currently based in New Delhi, his experiences and insights in his book Oneness make up an exploration of the human condition through verse.
Within this collection, each poem stands out for its unique ability to invoke deep emotion and profound thought. One stand-out piece is “On Exit,” which explores the ideas of loss and mourning. It navigates through the complexities of grief and reflects on rituals and emotions surrounding the death of a loved one—the ghee that the speaker relishes cooked with his food is the same substance that is smeared on his father’s dead body, before the pyre. Each stanza offers insight into the speaker's journey through mourning, from questioning the future of grief to the therapeutic release of ashes into the Ganges River. Its universal themes of exit invite readers to reflect on their encounters with mortality and the process of saying goodbye.
Another poem titled “Separation” is captivating in its simplicity and evocative imagery. The poem paints a vivid picture of isolation from nature using the metaphor of worn-out trees to convey the profound sense of separation experienced by the speaker. This poem features themes of solitude and disconnection and pairs nicely with “On Exit.” This poem also prompts readers to contemplate how they would experience separation and longing in their own lives.
Beyond the poems themselves, each poem in Oneness is accompanied by a painting that serves as an interlude between pieces. The artworks by Pintu Biswas and Samir Mondal provide visual pauses that complement and enhance the thematic exploration of these pieces. The painting that proceeds “Antara Marwah Walks the Ramp” features a pregnant woman, adding depth to the poem that explores maternity and femininity in the person of the famous Indian fashion stylist: “She is all smiles as she / treads, flaunting her baby / bump. The fashion parade / looms large in the new arrival.”
Accompanying “On Exit” are two paintings that separate the poem and add a unique dimension to the reading experience; the second painting features a flower and a lily pad on the water, offering a moment of tranquility in the emotional journey that the speaker is feeling as they face the loss and mourning of the poem.
Oneness is more than a collection of poems. It is a multi-sensory journey that engages readers on both intellectual and emotional levels by pairing visual art with poetic expression. Sengupta creates a deeply immersive experience that invites readers to explore the complexities of human experience through words and images alike.

Mateo de leon

Mateo De Leon, MORIA’s Design Editor for Issue 13, hails from Los Angeles. A fourth-year architecture student, Mateo channels his passion for social justice through volunteering with organizations like the National Organization of Minority Architects. When not immersed in design, you can catch him cooking, spending quality time with family, or playing Pokemon. Mateo values uplifting the LGBT, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent communities, making a positive impact with his endeavors.