Raksha S

Medium : Acrylic on canvas 

Size : 3'x4'

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Existential crisis had always hit me hard ever since I was kid. Why am I here? Why was I put here? - these are the questions would constantly ask myself and I would search for answers. I would constantly escape these thoughts through fiction in books and movies. When I came to terms with this existential crisis, I thought, who do I want to be? What do I want to become, in the sense, as a person? Should I just stay as I am? And I made the decision to always go after the image I had created for myself which was beyond what I looked like and how I existed. And that led to overcoming my existential crisis and finding solace in the process of art. So whenever I see this painting, it  always reminds me that I am not this body or the mind, and I can always be greater than that.

Medium : Pen and ink on canvas 

Size : 27"x37"

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Responsibilities on the shoulders. Carrying the entire nation on the back and guiding it, guarding it. With grace. This work is about architectural significance in relation to culture and human history. Architecture has played a
significant role in shaping civilizations across the world, in setting standards, culture, religions, and more. She carries the entire nation on her shoulders, proudly, guarding it, guiding it. From bottom to top: Imperial palaces on the shoulders.  The Imperial palace was the main residence of the royals, a
place filled with heavy duties and responsibilities. It rests on the shoulders, and above it is all that a ruler protects, and carries it's weight On the hair bodkin: The Sun and Moon twin Pagodas on the They carry important religious, cultural and architectural significance. On the hair: Ancient Chinese were forbidden from cutting their long locks and getting tattoos on the
skin. They considered their hair and skin as precious gifts from their parents so an act of cutting the hair was like damaging the gift. In some cultures, it is believed that the ancestors reside in the hair, and long hair holds their power, and it keeps the person connected to them. Hence, the two faces on either side of her hair. Her ancestors. And above it is an ancestral shrine. Worshipping the ancestors is an important tradition in Asian cultures.

At the topmost: The temple of Heaven in central Beijing: This building holds an important place in Chinese Architecture, culture, and religion. They would conduct annual prayers to Heavens for good harvest and it holds the highest place (literally) on her head. In significance, it is the highest place one could reach. Others: Towns, villages, shrines, and temples, the important elements of a kingdom which she guards and support.

Medium : Pen and ink, collage on paper

Size : 16"x26", 2022

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Also a part of the Metonymy of Bark & Sinew series, this work draws parallel between the visual appearance and structure of finger bones and bamboo trees, surrounded by trash.

Suppose in an alternate universe, instead of plants, you’d find ossified things that look like plants, in this case, like bamboo groves. Like finger bones stacked up and erect, they grow to great heights. Maybe that’s what will be left here too, when all the flora has died out and there’s trash everywhere. All the bones left from decay would replace vegetation.

Medium : Pen and ink, collage on paper

Size : 26"x18", 2022

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As a part of the series titled “Metonymy of Bark & Sinew”, this work is based on a real tree that resembled chicken feet. The tree in foreground along with those in the background resembling chicken feet appear to be planted like gravestones. It draws parallels between flora and fauna, in terms of
similarities in structure and visual appearance, while addressing poultry farming pollution and overconsumption of meat.

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Perhaps in a few decades, bones of animals left over from pollution and climate change could replace trees, as a result of increased tree felling and deforestation.

Medium : Oil on canvas

Size : 3'x2.5',  2018

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This is a study of a model figure, whose pose I could relate to, a lot, emotionally. Created at a time of emotional trauma, I painted the figure to reflect my own state of mind.