JEHANGIR NICHOLSON ART FOUNDATION
‘Starting off Women's History Month on Women's Day with this painting titled ‘S/he’ by Nalini Malani from our collection. Nalini’s works are visually abundant, layered with allegorical references from literature, history and mythology, eking out female protagonists. Presenting a theatre of the absurd, the absurdity encapsulates patriarchal constructs prevalent in today’s world.’ -Puja Vaish, Director, JNAF
In a diary entry from 1959, Nasreen Mohamedi describes her time spent at Kihim beach with its ‘endless patterns’ made by crabs and the ‘zigzag designs the waves leave on the sand’. This untitled ink on paper work gives me the calm feeling of a beach as I watch the waves go by. - Aashika Cunha, who has been working with this collection since 2013!
I’ve always liked this etching by Anupam Sud, and it’s a big work perk to have access to it while working with the JNAF collection. The woman’s doleful eyes are an instant draw, and a sharp contrast against the man’s somewhat dimmed out features. Aptly titled, “Dining with Ego” - who’s been on a date like this?
- Kamna Anand
I was introduced to Pilloo Pochkhanawala's art in the first year of organizing an Art+Feminism editathon. But that was hardly an introduction - for it was quite bookish. Looking at her sculptures [thanks to JNAF] the only word that came to mind was 'Bold'. Some of her sculptures also reminded me of my childhood fascination with the game ‘Mechanix’ before my thoughts quickly drifted again and I wondered..."can we name 5 women sculptors...?" No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to go beyond 3. And yet, even those 3 have unjustly been "forgotten". Someday, when we are ready to host an Art+Feminism editathon at JNAF, this is one artist I want to know more about.
- Medhavi Gandhi, Founder, The Heritage LabThe JNAF is proud to have collaborated with Medhavi on several digital campaigns and we conclude the Women’s History Month series with her selection from the collection.