ARTIST STATEMENT

PAIN AND TRAUMA WOVEN IN KNOTS AND NEEDLES

My body of work is based heavily on painstakingly fine gouache on paper pieces (wasli), created using traditional miniaturist techniques, but focused notably on the contemporary elaboration of this ancient form. The miniature school originated in the sixteenth century during the reign of Emperor Akbar, the first great Mughal patron of the arts, who institutionalised the first court studios. The works produced by the resident artists were compiled into albums depicting historical events, legendary and romantic tales, and fables from both Indian and Persian sources. Miniature technique uses minute, distinct dots of pure colour - pointillism (bardakht), to form an image on paper.

As an artist, I took this miniature technique of pointillism and incorporated it in a more contemporary form by taking inspiration from everyday objects and painting it using the traditionalist ways. The concept behind my body of work is deeply rooted in the experience of witnessing my mother undergo invasive surgical treatment and nursing her through to recovery. I create images reminiscent of folded material and torn cloth. Embroidery techniques and fabrics become metaphors for medical stitches and skin. Objects connected to my mother are imbued with emotive symbolism. This indirect and abstract approach to art helps me engage with the audience on an unconscious level, making each individual view it from a different perspective.