Making the motifs on the marble of the magnificent Taj Mahal the backdrop for her girls, artist Rangoli Garg narrates a contrasting story. ‘She’s Indian’ is Rangoli Garg’s story about the Indian girl and true to the rich Indian culture and heritage, Rangoli’s canvases are colourful and the motifs draw attention of the onlookers. Rangoli has achieved her own style of working in acrylics. Aggrieved by the partial recognition of girls in India, Rangoli shows this in her paintings where she shows dual coloured girl in all her works. The Taj Mahal which is the epitome of love and peace and represents India in the whole world is the artist’s innate passion which she paints in this girl’s dreams. The motifs of Taj Mahal, the floral and geometric patterns, the lattice, the arches, pillars and doors all mesmerise the artist.
Another trait that draws attention is the girls and their faces which are not in a single tone.
Does this imply the many faces and sides of a woman? The artists Rangoli clarifies, “Not entirely. My girls are a tribute to the Indian beauty which is unrecognised. Indian women are capable of so many things, we all talk about equality and recognition but when it comes to practising, most of the people shy away from it. Women still don’t get what they deserve and in between all this the woman still plays the role of the ideal daughter, a good sister, a loving mother, a dutiful wife and a responsible professional/co-worker etc.”
The artist isn’t drawing a sad picture of the girl. With intelligent use of shades and contrasting colours, Rangoli presented the story she wanted to.
A look at Rangoli’s work wouldn’t say she’s new to this profession. An entrepreneur for long, Rangoli decided to take up paintings to unleash her feelings and when she did she realised there was a lot she wanted to draw and paint. “My thoughts kept me busy as I sat with the canvas and without letting thought waiver, I brought them out on canvas and used paints to start a dialogue,” says she.
The artist has made use of dull shades with bright ones to highlight the story she wants to tell and the bright shades act as neon light brightening and highlighting the women. Rangoli also doesn’t want to show the Indian women in the traditional attire because, “we have all evolved in many ways than one. All we need is recognition.”
This is Rangoli’s second solo show and is on till April 11 at Café Art, Taj Deccan.
She’s Indian
What: Works of Rangoli Garg on display
Where: Café Art, Taj Deccan
Till: April 11
