Krishna Popaliya, a thoughtful artist driven by a commitment towards the nuanced facets of a woman’s existence within society, crafts compelling narratives through her unique exploration of materials. In her artistic journey, she fervently advocates for the equitable placement of women in society, manifesting her convictions through a keen observation of their life cycle, challenges, and status. With an unwavering belief in the potential for women to attain equal standing, Popaliya endeavours to elicit acceptance from society at large through her artistic expressions. Her sensitivity towards the female experience is palpable in her works, which serve as reflective mirrors capturing the diverse mindscape of individuals surrounding her.
Venturing into the transformative realm of nails and wires, Popaliya meticulously experiments with these materials, pushing their boundaries to convey the myriad events shaping a woman’s life. The interplay of light and shadow within her sculptures transcends their physical form, creating an expansive visual experience that mirrors the complexity of women’s daily lives. In parallel, Popaliya engages with ceramic materials, delving into a specific series centered around the growth of pomegranates. This series intricately weaves together the various stages of the fruit with the phases of human life, presenting a captivating exploration of the parallels between nature and the female experience.
Notably, her foray into barbed wires and nails serves as a poignant experiment, offering a tangible representation of the harrowing concept of violence against women. These sculptures, meticulously shaped to trace the human form, symbolise different stages of violence while simultaneously playing with translucency—a technique that allows light to transcend the physical constraints of the artwork.
In essence, Krishna Popaliya emerges as an artist whose work serves as an ode to her unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and shedding light on the multifaceted journey of women. Through her exploration of materials and profound artistic expression, she tries to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the female experience.
Featured Image: Growth-4 by Krishna Popaliya | Courtesy: Abir Pothi
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Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
