December 2022
Acrylic on Canvas
5ft x 3ft 

My work stands as a definitive statement against colonial and patriarchal norms, particularly challenging Western perspectives on sexuality and the objectification of women. Rooted in my anti-colonial stance and drawing inspiration from my relatively untouched-by-the-Western-world religion, Hinduism, my art seeks to redefine the narrative surrounding the divine feminine.

 

In contrast to the Western fixation on figures like the Virgin Mary and Aphrodite, my artistic focus centers on Adi Shakti, a representation of the divine feminine embodying the quintessential qualities of creation, passion, and power. I believe Adi Shakti is inherent in every Coolie gyal, symbolizing the best qualities of women that transcend imposed norms.

 

What resonates most profoundly for me is the immediate understanding my fellow women from my culture express when encountering my work. Their recognition of references to pre-colonial sari styles brings forth a shared history and cultural connection. The reclaiming of a common ground, disrupted by colonial influences, is a source of joy and empowerment.

 

The revelation that the "need" to cover up was an imposition rather than a cultural inclination is a pivotal aspect of my artistic narrative. My work strives to unravel the layers of influence that have shaped our perceptions of the female body, providing a platform to challenge, question, and ultimately redefine cultural identity.

 

In essence, my art serves as a powerful expression of resistance, cultural reclamation, and the celebration of the strength and resilience embodied by Coolie women. Through visual storytelling, I aim to provoke thought, spark conversations, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on the complexities of identity in a post-colonial world.