Set of 4 artworks. From The Red Series, 2023

Megha Joshi  

This artwork consists of four panels, each presenting an abstract form seamlessly blending organic and geometric elements. Dominated by deep red accents, each shape appears to pulsate with an intense vivacity. The forms hover against a stark white background, accentuating their vivid presence. The central motif resembles a series of interlocking, spiked structures, each differing slightly in orientation and composition yet maintaining a cohesive theme. The use of bold red contrasted with white invokes a visceral response, suggesting themes of vulnerability and resilience. The fluid, suggestive lines intertwine with the sharp edges, creating a dynamic tension. These contrasts, both in color and form, invite the viewer to explore themes of duality and connection, all while engaging with the intricate beauty of the natural world reimagined through abstraction.

The red series are vermilion drawings with cotton/diya baati wicks used in prayer, the fruit of the artist's longstanding preoccupation with gender, religion and rituals. The interference of politics and religion with the female body as a site of worship has long disturbed her. Especially in India, the female body as a place of “honor" is a concept the artist explores. The continuing taboos around menstruation, temple entries, rape in communal riots, hypersexualization and the suppression of the female body are, in her view, issues that require attention. The drawings revolve around the labeling of women as midwives and breeders or sluts and whores; pure and impure, mine and hers, etc. For the artist misogyny is deeply rooted in India and we have to dig deep if we want to eradicate it.

Much of Megha Joshi's artistic practice focuses on gender, ritual and religion, although her uniqueness lies in her ability to express herself on a variety of subjects, in a variety of media. She has worked with conventional materials such as steel, fabric, bronze, rubber and, most interestingly, everyday objects and materials used in Hindu ritualism. His works are strong but experimental, as he does not believe in the forced homogeneity of artworks.

Cotton wicks, watercolour pencil and acrylic on paper.
Overall size: 11.7 in H x33.2 in W.
Individual size: 11.7 in H x 8.3 in W.
Certificate of authenticity.