In collaboration with the Museum of Sacred Art in Belgium, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is showcasing the exhibition “Shakti – Fair & Fierce”, that triumphantly celebrates the vibrant energy and boundless creativity of women artists, challenging the male-dominated art world.
Curated by Sushma K. Bahl, with contributions from Meghna Vyas Arora and Shruti Das, this dynamic showcase features around 55 talented female artists from across India. It presents an eclectic array of artistic expressions, capturing the essence of traditional and contemporary art forms.
From traditional forms to contemporary expressions, the collection includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, installations, animation, digital art, video art, pop art, and embroideries. Addressing themes central to women’s experiences and aspirations, the exhibition features prominent artists such as Aparna Caur, Brinda Miller, Jayasri Burman, and Madhavi Parekh, alongside emerging artists.
Jayasri Burman discusses her work and shares, “Keeping the mythic narration of Shri Krishna in Kaliyadaman, the painting titled ‘Kaliyadaman’ portrays the beauty of Shakti inherent in us all. It reminds us of the art forms that have been able to harness the good against evil dominions. The painting also portrays Radha’s love for Krishna where she is shown empowering Krishna through her devotion.”
Brinda Miller shares her thoughts on her paintings “Lumen Light,” “Another World,” and “Supernova.” She says, “Being a woman and being an artist is an interesting place to be in. Women have the power to be both spiritual and strong at the same time. As the theme of the exhibition declares, we women are fair and fierce. The works are showcased beautifully by NGMA and the display is varied. The narrative flows and the warm hues of the display sets the meditative mood through luminous tones.”
Brinda also highlights the importance of the exhibition being curated by Sushma K. Bahl and supported by Martin Gurvich, Founder & Director of the Museum of Sacred Art, Belgium. She adds, “This unique exhibition is probably a first at NGMA (both Delhi and Mumbai). 55 women artists coming together is a rare treat. It showcases the works through the lens of a woman curator Sushma Bahl and of course the support of sensitive patron Mr. Martin Gurvich, Founder & Director Museum of Sacred Art, Belgium. That the works will travel to Belgium and Uruguay is very exciting and a great opportunity to be seen for Indian Women Artists.”
Seema Kohli talks about her works “Kamadhenu” and “Tree of Life,” which explore themes of balance and energy. “Kamadhenu is inspired by Shiva and Shakti, representing the amalgamation of pure consciousness and energy,” she explains. “Tree of Life” reflects the continuous balance of energies in nature, embodying the connection between different worlds.
Saadiya Kochar, a photographer, discusses her series “Aurat,” inspired by Kaifi Azmi’s famous poem. The series captures the resilience and strength of Muslim women in Kashmir and Delhi. “The images show women with their household items, isolating them from their surroundings and conflict,” she says. Kochar emphasizes the honor of being part of the exhibition and the inspiration she draws from interacting with other artists.
Curator Sushma K. Bahl reflects on the marginalization of women in the art world. “The idea behind ‘Shakti – Fair & Fierce’ was to show that women today are making huge strides,” she says. “When compared to male artists, Indian women artists still get less gallery space and showcasing opportunities. This exhibition aims to explore the feminine gaze and showcase the strength, aesthetic, and beauty of their works.”
Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, shares the institution’s pride in spotlighting the creativity of women artists. “By showcasing their works, we celebrate their vibrant creativity and promote gender equality,” he says. The exhibition serves as a platform for self-expression, fostering autonomy and accomplishment among women artists.
The collection celebrates Indian feminine Shakti, introducing it to an international audience and challenging traditional perspectives. After its showcases in Delhi and Mumbai, the exhibition is set to travel to Belgium and Uruguay, with potential visits to other international destinations. “Shakti – Fair & Fierce” is on till August 7.
