The theme for the residency: “What to do with Difference? - Art and Artist as Bridge.”
Diversity is built into the design of things, difference contributes beauty and complexity to life. Yet ethnicity, politics, religion, and culture increasingly are the cause of profound divisions in our world. What do we do with the things that set us apart? The Art for Change International Residency explored the reality, challenges, aesthetics, and possibilities of ‘difference,’ in the artist’s life and in a local context—with global implications. How does art make sense of difference? What divides and connects us as human beings? What is the potential for art and artist as bridge?
Iterations and Process
Dilli
Acrylic on paper (A3)
This painting is inspired by the events that took place in delhi in the march, a some goons climbed the mosque and took down the speaker, burnt the houses in a muslim locality, beat up the locals and made them chant slogan, being in the city I could feel the fear in the atmosphere everyone was worried if something would happen in their area. The city did not feel safe, but at the same time everyone was out moving forward with their lives with anxiety filled in their chest.
Bloom Together
Acrylic on paper (A3)
The first visual that came to my mind when i started making the painting for the project was a big tree with big flowers. This visual represent the growth of women in the society and standing up against the injustice the patratical system had caused. The Yellow circle represent both moon and sun depicting the time.
Blooming Together (II)
Acrylic on paper (A3)
Notes
My Studio Space in the Residency (NIV Art Center, Delhi)
Coalescence
Final Paintings
Artist Statement
Acrylic on Canvas (2ft x 2ft)
The immense strength that women have, and how decades of fighting against ingrained stereotypes of being silent caretakers has highlighted the importance and strength of women's voices as leaders, as independent women, our voices in financial and political issues, and many other areas, which are no longer dictated by male members of the house alone. This can be seen by the political opinions and the strength of women during the protests held in Shaheen Bagh this year. The reclamation of their political voice has been met with surprise and anger due to its unprecedented nature, and they have said their message loudly, that the world has taken notice, with the hope of creating lasting change in the Indian democracy which fights for the rights of the poor, oppressed and forgotten. My artistic process has looked at understanding how women have become leaders in their communities, while navigating the traditional requirements which are imposed upon them.
Photos from the Open Studio (7th March, 2020)
TO BE EXHIBITED AT INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTER, NEW DELHI
Invitation for the Exhibition
(Posponed due to COVID-19 pandemic)
