Please join us for a reception of our June 2019 Throckmorton Theatre Main Gallery exhibit: “Anatomy of Gaze: Relational Identity” by Annu Yadav.
Annu Yadav
“Anatomy of Gaze: Relational Identity”
Theatre Main Gallery
ARTIST STATEMENT
I think of my paintings and wearable sculptures as colored visages that reinforce the deep inner strength & contemplation of the feminine. My work takes a reflective view of the social, political and cultural challenges faced by women. Specifically interpreting how their imprints are felt on her.
The experience of dealing with sexual abuse, while growing up in India has shaped my inner landscape. Feminine expression was highly subdued and my own experiences from the unhealthy treatment of women left a deep imprint on me.
My inspiration stems from a love and hate relationship with India’s deeply layered culture. I explore themes of sexual suppression in-laid with the emotive impressions of gaze. My artwork inspects this relational tension between the self and the observer. The strength and endurance of the self and expressing effect of the other.
I found the histories of surrealism, cubism and Indian folk art to be useful in the rearranging of received ideas. My arrangements are singular and isolating in nature, offering a sense of solemn. A stolen quiet moment with oneself: inviting the viewer into an instance of speculation. I find the interplay of sexuality, seduction, grotesque and the implied guilt particularly intriguing.
I have no grand illusions for how would art bring revolution in the modern world, but I do want to believe that art can bring powerful changes in an individual. An offering of some sorts to connect with the rest of the unfamiliar humanity.
FEATURED WORK
‘Deerhead’, acrylic on board, 36″ X 20″
‘Acrylic on stretched canvas’, acrylic on stretched canvas, 48″ X 40″
