Fierce & Tender: Feminist Portraits
Portraits of women and the stories we carry, painted in rage, tenderness, and the truth of our daily lives.
"Rose starring Saroja Devi," an acrylic on canvas paying homage to the bold women of all eras. This piece is a tribute to retro Tamil cinema and its iconic heroines.
A close-up of the "Sickle" painting. The detail shows the determined expression of the woman, who represents the strength of female farm laborers and the fire of feminist rage.
"Boy Carrying Lotus," an acrylic piece suggesting that boys should be taught to carry flowers instead of rage. It's a feminist statement about reimagining masculinity.
"Mending," an acrylic painting on a repurposed jute bag. It speaks to the act of mending our world with compassion, the very material that defines us.
Titled "Half a Woman," this painting on linen explores my personal journey with perimenopause and aging. It questions the definitions of womanhood as our bodies change.
A digital watercolor portrait of a woman, capturing a moment of quiet dignity. The textures and tones are meant to convey a sense of timelessness and inner strength.
A digital portrait of my sister from @haanh.hum, named Baby. This piece is a celebration of our sisterhood and the love that connects us.
"Waiting for her turn," a piece made with alcohol markers. It reflects on the endless patience women are expected to have while waiting for their moment, their turn, their rights.
A timelapse of my "Vintage Woman" digital painting. You can see the process of building layers, from the initial line art to the final monochrome rendering against a vibrant pink background.
A digital portrait created in Procreate, where I experimented with a messy, oil-painting style. It's about capturing a fleeting expression with bold, expressive strokes.
About Fierce & Tender: Feminist Portraits
My portraits are never just about what a person looks like. They are about the tension between rage and tenderness, the fluid identities of women in India, and the stories we carry in our bones. Whether you choose an original acrylic canvas from my studio or a high-resolution digital file you print at home, every piece is meant to stir a conversation on your wall.
I work in two distinct modes. My physical paintings often use raw materials—like jute or linen—to ground the subject in reality. A piece like 'Sickle,' from my Violent Women series, isn't just paint on canvas; it uses handmade stencils and deliberate textures to capture the fire of female farm laborers. These are one-of-a-kind originals that bring a tactile, gritty weight to a space.
Then there is my digital work. I use my iPad and Procreate for these portraits because it allows me to experiment with messy, oil-like strokes without the drying time. These are available as high-resolution digital files. Once you buy a file, you get to own the print—take it to a local printer, choose your frame, and make it your own. It is my way of keeping art accessible and avoiding the drama of shipping.
Whether it is the vintage-style monochrome of a woman from my childhood or a reimagining of masculinity in 'Boy Carrying Lotus,' I am always exploring the same thing: dignity. I paint the women I see, the women I am, and the women I am fighting for. If you are looking for art that demands attention and starts a conversation, you are in the right place.
Girija
I am Girija, a woman finding my own truths through canvas and pixels. My work isn't about decorating walls, it is about pinning my political and personal battles to them. If you see yourself in my lines, let's talk about bringing that energy into your space.
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