Shades of womanhood
The protests for women’s safety are finding new expressions. An Indian artist, born and brought up in Bahrain, is trying to spread the message of women’s empowerment through her first solo show in the city.
“I have been feeling distressed following the reports of crime against women. I hate to show women in a subdued or victimised manner. Through my art, I always try to convey the message that women should fight for their right to freedom,” says the artist. In the city with her show “Enchanted” presented by TAD Arts, the artist insists that this is the right time to show her works in the city.
“Women as a subject have always fascinated me. I have been painting for the last 22 years now. And every time I pick up a brush to paint, it seems I cannot work on any other subject but women,” says Ella. To put across her message she paints in bright colours like orange, turquoise and blue. Her painting celebrates womanhood and beauty. “I like to portray the woman as she unconditionally fulfills everyone’s wishes — as a lover, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a mother.” She has also painted on the theme of Formula One.
A self-taught artist, Ella is fond of Indian artists like Anjolie Ela Menon and Gogi Saroj Pal. “All over the world — including cities like New York, Germany and Las Vegas — whenever I had a show, my being Indian is what fascinated people the most about me. Everyone wants to know more about India. Though I grew up in Bahrain my parents always nurtured Indian culture at home. We celebrate all the Indian festivals and Diwali is my most favourite,” says Ella.
Though this is her first visit to the city, Ella is deeply impressed to see women fighting off all religious and traditional shackles. “It is amazing to see women travelling on Metro wearing all the jewellery, vermillion, wedding churas and going to office. It fascinates me how they manage both home and work here,” says the artist.
Ella’s parents are from Gujarat, and she plans to visit the place at the end of the month. “I am really enjoying my stay and plan to come back soon with more of my artworks,” says Ella.
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