Mini Post #1: Chitra Ganesh

Ami Shah
28 January, 2020
Professor Cacoilo
Art & Women
Mini Post #1: Chitra Ganesh

Chitra Ganesh is an Indian-American visual artist that was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Brown University and later taught as a high school teacher before becoming an artist. It wasn't until her mother died that she devoted herself to her artwork and completely changed career paths. Ganesh initially was very hesitant about pursuing art, but still did so as the death of her mother reconstructed her purpose and outlook on life. In her pieces, Ganesh draws much inspiration from Hindu/Buddhist mythology, comics, politics, and feminist and queer narratives. She is also renowned for depicting women in positions of power and representing sexuality in a unique and unconventional light.

Depths of Her Abyss, 2016. Chitra Ganesh

The Arrow, 2016. Chitra Ganesh

This piece is especially fascinating as it both breaks down and uncovers the many stereotypes that follow South Asian women. Each individual, draped in traditional attire (sarees), is seen sitting in solidarity as one woman points her arrow towards an unknown direction. The saree is particularly important as its vibrant colors largely emphasizes the diversity within the South Asian community and serves as a symbol for daily life. In many South Asian countries, sarees are viewed as respectful items of clothing that are regularly worn by women throughout the day. However, because of that, the saree is also often associated with words such as "weakness" and "fragility" as the women in the society are expected to be obedient and cooperative. Though, in Ganesh's piece, although the women are wearing traditional clothing, it does not prevent them from protecting themselves from the anonymous, oncoming threat. Ganesh's The Arrow, confronts preconceived notions of South Asian women and portrays them in ways that are not common, and oftentimes taboo, within the community.