Mridula Kunnatharaju explains her artwork at an open studio in Visakhapatnam. | Photo courtesy: KR Deepak
Artist Mridula Kunnatharaju’s recent works include a captivating set of watercolour paintings that delve into feminine narratives through a series of six soulful sepia-coloured self-portraits and intimate depictions of their surroundings.
The Visakhapatnam-based artist opened his studio to the public this week, offering a glimpse into his creative process and showcasing his latest works.
Mridula’s work is extremely personal, and each piece provides a glimpse into her soul.
These self-portraits go beyond depictions of her physical form, they contain multiple layers of meaning that reflect her identity and her struggles and triumphs as a woman.
Mridula says, “For me, the purpose of art is not just to experience or interpret; it is a means to transform silence into a voice of resistance. As an artist, I believe art exists in the environment around me. My goal is to be present, to understand these environments from both a personal and social perspective, and to interpret them in my work.”
An artwork by Visakhapatnam-based artist Mridula Kunnatharaju, inspired by women’s stories. | Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement
In her current work, she focuses on self-portraits, landscapes and architecture, while also incorporating objects and images from the Middle Ages, bodily interests and references to medieval portraiture. “Self-portraits are not just about ‘this is what I look like’, but reflect my experiences and behaviour. Painting them freehand also helps in understanding the concept of identity,” says Mridula, who spent some time in Baroda after completing her postgraduate studies in fine arts and then returned to her hometown in Visakhapatnam.
A series that showcases Mridula’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance and an experimental take on the changes that the female body undergoes during menstruation. A self-portrait made in watercolour, a female body made of paper mache, a hand glove made of fibreglass and iron… this series explores the idea of a woman and her relationship with her body. The medium of watercolour, known for its fluidity and ethereal quality, complements Mridula’s themes.
A notable work of the artist is a 7×5 feet watercolour painting titled Finding My Place which reflects the idea of the visible and invisible divide between two sides. The sepia toning creates a sombre atmosphere and gives them a warm, soft feel, which is both deep and intense. Mridula says, “While the visuals in my work can make the viewer feel comfortable and engaged, I consciously layer my pieces with images that confront the truth about evaluation, conditioning, underlying patriarchy, and the myths surrounding an ideal home.”
Her works find resonance in universal themes of identity, self-expression, and the human experience, woven together to create an open-ended narrative.
The artist’s artworks will be on display at Dhi Artspace in Hyderabad from July 20.
