XXX From The Red Series, 2023

Megha Joshi  

This artwork features a striking arrangement of deep red, petal-like forms meticulously organized into an oval configuration that stands prominently against a stark white background. Each element tapers to a fine point, creating an impression of movement and organic fluidity. The contrast between the vibrant red and the pure white backdrop accentuates the intensity and energy of the composition. The symmetrical alignment of the shapes suggests balance and harmony, while simultaneously evoking a sense of evolution or transformation. The simplicity of the design is offset by the complex interplay of light and shadow across the forms, enhancing their three-dimensionality and inviting viewers to explore the nuances of texture and form. This piece uniquely marries minimalism with a dynamic tension, compelling observers to engage with its bold, yet elegant, visual narrative.

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XXX From The Red Series

Cotton wicks, watercolour pencil and acrylic on paper

Certificate of authenticity

The red series are drawings in vermillion with cotton wicks/diya baati used in prayer - from a long preoccupation of mine with gender, religion and ritual. The interference of politics and religion in women's bodies as a site has long disturbed me. In India especially, women's bodies as a site of "honour" is a concept I explore. Continued taboos around menstruation, temple entries, rapes in communal riots, hyper-sexualisation as well as supression of women's bodies, I think, is a subject that needs focus. The drawings revolve around the tagging of women as birthers and nurturers or vixens and sluts; pure and impure, mine and theirs etc. Misogyny has deep roots in India and we need to dig deep if we want to weed it out.