Art as Activism: Socially Conscious Commissions
I create art that challenges the status quo and starts necessary conversations. If you want a piece that pushes boundaries or tells a deeper story, let's talk.
The full view of "Sickle," from my "Violent Women" series. This 2 by 2 feet acrylic on canvas portrays a woman farm laborer, reimagining the sickle not just as a tool of agriculture, but as an instrument of power and rage against injustice.
Another perspective of the "Sickle" painting in my studio. The vibrant pink and red background contrasts with the cool blue of her skin, creating a visually jarring effect that is meant to be provocative.
The "Sickle" painting, ready to challenge someone's living room decor. My feminist art is not meant to be passive; it is meant to start a conversation.
A detail shot of the sickle itself. I used a handmade stencil for the background pattern, leaving its meaning open to interpretation while grounding the piece in my identity as a raging feminist.
"Boy Carrying Lotus," an acrylic and fountain pen piece on paper. This is my statement that we must raise boys to carry flowers instead of rage, challenging traditional notions of masculinity.
A close up of the boy's face in "Boy Carrying Lotus." His expression is intentionally ambiguous, a mix of vulnerability and strength, against a swirling, passionate red background.
This video shows the process of creating "Mending." Painting on the rough texture of a jute bag was a challenge, but it was essential to the concept of the piece. You can see the figure slowly taking form, stitch by stitch.
"Wanna hear a story from the branches? My Grandma is a tree now!" This small acrylic on wood painting is about my grandmothers and the stories and strength women share. It’s a tribute to the female tribe.
"Rose starring Saroja Devi," an acrylic on canvas tribute to the bold women of Tamil retro cinema. This piece celebrates female confidence and style with vibrant, unapologetic color.
"Half a Woman," an acrylic painting on unstretched linen. This is a deeply personal piece about my experience with perimenopause, exploring questions of womanhood, aging, and the body's changes.
About Art as Activism: Stories of Resistance and Change
My activist art is not meant to be passive decor; it is created to disrupt. I work on non-traditional surfaces like repurposed jute bags, reclaimed wood, and unstretched linen because these materials hold the history and grit of the stories I tell. If you are looking for a piece that challenges how your space feels and carries the weight of truth, we can collaborate on a custom commission that moves beyond simple aesthetics.
Art as a Political Act
When you commission a piece from me, we are not just decorating a wall. We are creating a narrative. My work is rooted in my identity as a feminist and my work with the collective 'Haan Hum'. Whether I am painting a portrait of female laborers or abstract geometric forms to question land ownership, the goal is always the same: to make the invisible visible.
My Process
I do not believe in 'perfect' art. I believe in honest art. My process is often messy—filled with paint-stained hands, experimentation, and a focus on the energy of the subject rather than just realism.
- Materiality: I choose mediums that align with the message. I might use acrylics on a repurposed jute bag to talk about labor and compassion, or ink on paper to explore vulnerability.
- Collaboration: We start by talking about your story. You bring a vision, a photo, or a concept, and I translate that into a visual language that fits your life.
- Social Justice: A significant portion of my practice involves supporting causes I believe in. When you commission a large-scale project or purchase from my series, that support often extends to social justice work.
What You Can Expect
My work ranges from small, intimate pieces on wood to large-scale wall murals.
- Small Formats: Perfect for home spaces, these are one-of-a-kind originals on wood or jute.
- Portraits: I capture the emotional essence of family members or personal figures, regardless of the quality of your reference photos.
- Large-Scale Murals: If you have a space that needs a voice, I can design and execute wall murals or large-format silk tapestries that define the character of a room.
Let’s stop making art that just blends in. Let’s make something that demands to be noticed.
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