Art exhibition in Delhi gives voice to women’s stories

Be it Amrita Sher-Gill or

Frida Kahlo

, there has been no dearth of talented women artists. However, throughout the history of art, women have only been represented as an artist's muse, instead of the creative force behind the art. So, when Delhi-based art curator Teesta Bhandare called for an exhibition titled 'Voices of Women' during Women's History Month, it was aimed at gaining better representation and visibility for women

artists

in India.

A diverse collection of art by womenThe exhibition, which opened on Friday, showcased the works of 12 women artists from around India, which revolved around their experiences and perspectives of womanhood. "I decided to use women as the framework as not only are they underrepresented, but also because of the diversity they bring in terms of the medium, the styles and the stories through these 37 artworks on display," said Teesta.

The artworks, by artists like

Anupam Sud

, Bharati Kapadia and Parul Thacker, explored a variety of different mediums ranging from digital prints, water colour, oil colours to acrylic and 3D murals. "The displaying artists also range from being critically acclaimed names in the industry to young millennials with a strong voice," explained Teesta.

'This is my way of voicing our stories'Recognised for her contributions to the growth of printmaking in India, Anupam shared her experience with the audience, saying, "Our entire life is art. So, when you are with your work, you are one with it. You don’t even rationalise the experience. But once the work is over, you think about it and experience the outcome of it."

Kanchan's works celebrate women as an act of silent rebellion. "These works had been done before but when Teesta approached me, they totally fit the theme. Being a woman, I have a soft corner for women’s issues and all the atrocities against them. I don’t want to come out on the street and shout slogans. So, this is my way of voicing out our stories," she said. Some other works drew inspiration from artists’ own stories, like Sahaya Sharma, who created a digital print of her mother’s womb through abstract art.