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India's first woman artist, Sunayani Devi, grasped a paintbrush in 1905, a time when women's artistic pursuits were actively discouraged. Self-taught, she infused her works with influences from Indian mythology and her experiences in a Bengali household. Her figures, with their elongated, heavy-lidded eyes, became enduring motifs that reflected the solitude and contemplative moods of women. Her art introduced the female gaze to Indian art; offering glimpses into her innermost world.
The luminous contributions of women artists have often been obscured by the shadows of patriarchal norms. Nevertheless, a select group of pioneering women defied societal constraints, forging their own paths in a male-dominated art world. An exhibition, curated by DAG, pays homage to these artists who challenged prejudice and patriarchy, carving out a distinctive niche in the sun-drenched canvas of 20th-century Indian art. Featuring 10 artists, 'A Place in The Sun: Women Artists From 20th Century India', is an exhibition that celebrates the influence and extraordinary impact of women artists within the framework of Indian modernism.
Devayani Krishna emerged on the art scene five years after Sunayani Devi, marking the next stride in the journey of Indian women artists. By the time Ambika Dhurandhar, the first art school-trained woman, earned her diploma in Bombay, Amrita Sher-Gil had already established herself in Paris. Subsequent luminaries like B. Prabha delved into the realities of marginalised communities, shaping their narratives through a distinctive visual language. Nasreen Mohamedi and Zarina Hashmi, born a decade prior to Independence, further solidified the presence of women in art schools, emphasising the importance of context over gender in their practice.
The exhibition spotlights a select group of women artists, each wielding a unique identity and practice that contributed to the labyrinth of 20th-century Indian art. The representation is intentionally curated to offer a diverse cross-section, spanning mediums from early abstract painting to the rigorous craftsmanship of sculpture and printmaking, all crafted under trying circumstances when women were actively discouraged from such pursuits.
While this exhibition is a collective effort, each artist brings forth a distinct style, influenced by personal inspirations and artistic motifs. Madhvi Parekh's works exude a personality and originality that don't take root from established ideologies, rather from the domain of the imaginary. Anupam Sud's imagery revolves around the strength and vulnerability of female protagonists, while Zarina Hashmi draws from the traumatic experiences of partition; threading them into her narratives. Gogi Saroj Pal, on the other hand, dedicates her art to portraying women's bodies as vessels of patriarchy, while Shobha Broota's abstraction explores the subtle vibrations that carry the essence of life.
Despite these varied approaches, a common thread of feminist concerns weaves through their work, addressing questions of gender, class, marginalisation, and environments, offering diverse perspectives derived from 20th-century Indian art.
'A Place in the Sun' is not merely an exhibition; it is a tribute to the audacity and creativity of women who, against all odds, found their rightful place to be seen in 'a place under the sun'.
The exhibition will be showcased at DAG 2, The Taj Mahal Palace Colaba, Mumbai, from September 9, 2023, to October 21, 2023. Visitors can explore this enlightening collection between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.
You can find out more here.
