Artist : Sabita Lakshmanan
Title : Brain-dead under a clear sky
Size : 30.5 ×36.5 inches
Medium : Ink, watercolour, stitches with red colored thread on paper
Description:
My artwork titled ‘Brain-dead’ is about the social factors, toxic culture and sick conditioning that exists in a patriarchal society . That it is the primary reason to make most Indian women prone to depression mental illness and suicide has been statistically established by researchers and the WHO.
This painting depicts a woman disabled by depression which cripples her well-being and healthy outlook to face life .The collective patriarchal brain or misogynistic mindset sets the stage for a woman’s stunted possibilities and puts her on a metaphorical leash from birth
The stitches of red-colored thread speaks of the centuries old tumultuous struggle and journey of women’s lives and expression through a medium that has long been identified with women’s work.
A harmful vocabulary dotted with demeaning sexist phrases reinforce the stereotypes and rob the basic rights and dignity of women . Any contradiction or dissent is met with isolation , social stigma, ostracism,character-assassination , lack of family & community support .
This ensures the battle is lost long before it is even begun.