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| Wednesday, 15 December 2004 |
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Divine Woman Unpacking a myth
Chamari Thapaswarage's exhibition titled "Divine Woman" now on at the Phenomenal Space Gallery, extends the themes of her previous solo exhibitions. "Dying Woman" (2000) and "My World" (2001). These mixed media works seek to depict the reality behind the myths that surround "woman." Many rituals and customs are built up around the figure of woman, who is placed on a pedestal, worshipped as "goddess", venerated as "mother" and portrayed as a repository of purity and goodness. The reality of woman's life however is one of oppression and exploitation. The iconic image of "woman" is perpetuated and exploited by religion, culture and market forces dominated by men, says Chamari. In a male dominated society, the rituals and practices that appear to venerate woman, conceal this oppression. The contradictions in this situation and the ironies of the dual expectations that entrap woman, form the subject of Chamari's paintings. Is hers a form of feminist art? "Other women may see themselves in my work. But I think I portray myself, not others," she says. Chamari Thapaswarage is currently reading for her MA in Archaeology at PGIAR, University of Kelaniya. She holds a BFA from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, and teaches art at Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya. "Divine Woman" runs till Dec. 20. **** Back **** |
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