the female gaze - the portrayal of women by indian women artists
While women have been popular subjects of art for millenia, they have been primarily seen through the lens of male artists. In the recent past, as women artists have been gaining recognition throughout the world, the art world has witnessed the emergence of women subjects in art through the lens of women themselves. These women artists have been sharing their take on women’s identity, sexuality and form through their vast and varied visual syntaxes. On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour a few of the most influential Indian women artists who have celebrated the essence of womanhood on their canvases.
Arpana Caur
Visarjan
Arpana Caur is a self-taught artist, born in Delhi in 1954. Her works are best known for their portrayal of powerful female figures that are clothed in attire that questions what it means to be a traditional woman in the country. She also delves into subjects such as political unrest in India, and is endlessly inspired by Punjabi literature and Bhakti poetry.
Arpita Singh
Untitled
Prolific modernist Arpita Singh has a penchant for fluid storytelling through her vibrant works. These works, while not being evidently feminist, narrate tales of middle-aged women through her own perspective. Singh’s vivid paintings rooted in traditional Indian art bring to life the range of emotions that come with ageing and living as a woman in today’s time.
Amrita Sher-Gil
Sorrow
Arguably the most well-known Indian woman artist, Amrita Sher-Gil was vastly influenced by the female form. The beginning of her career saw her predominantly concern herself with the western depiction of women. Later, she went on to choose Indian women from all walks of life as her primary subjects. Sher-Gil’s phenomenal artwork would go on to influence Indian modern art as we know it today.
Anju Dodiya
Cloud Hunter
Centered around women protagonists, contemporary Indian artist Anju Dodiya’s artwork brings to life the anxieties and vulnerabilities of life. Her major inspirations lie in mythological women such as Athena, Persephone and Daphne. Art forms that influence her work include Japanese Ukio-e prints and miniature paintings among others.
Meetali Singh
Untitled
Artist Meetali Singh primarily works in the surreal space of art, bringing together landscapes and female portraiture. She uses her experience as a printmaker to create otherworldly works that explore her femininity, with singular works giving rise to multiple images within the same frame.
B Prabha
Fruit Seller
Born in 1933, eminent artist B Prabha was fascinated by Indian women through the entirety of her illustrious career. Her subjects would feature elongated necks and graceful demeanours. The rural women in her works would be seen going about their daily life gathering water, selling fruit and playing instruments. Through these canvases, Prabha relayed the plight of women in rural India and the adversities they had to face.
Rekha Rodwittiya
Rekha@50
Bringing magical realism and surrealism together, contemporary Indian artist Rekha Rodwittiya explores the socio-political scenario of the country through her art. Through her personal experiences, the artist is able to depict the struggles of women’s lives in her own artistic language. She also concerns herself with subjects such as discrimination, alienation and other complexities.
Chitra Ganesh
Secrets
Brooklyn-bases contemporary artist Chitra Ganesh explores sexuality, femininity and power through her unique lens. She interprets these by diving deep into subjects like history, mythology, social theory, science fiction and literature. Ganesh is inspired by traditional South Asian art forms such as Madhubani and Kalighat to execute her powerful artworks in various mediums.
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