The gates of Mrudula Kunatharaju’s studio in Visakhapatnam swung open to the public this week, revealing a mesmerizing collection of watercolor paintings that delve deeply into feminine narratives. A collection detailed with six evocative sepia-toned self-portraits and intimate portrayals of her surroundings offers viewers a unique window into the soul and psyche of the artist.
In a meticulous display of technical prowess and emotional depth, Mrudula presents works that are profoundly personal yet universally resonant. With each piece, she unravels complex layers of meaning, reflecting her identity, struggles, and triumphs as a woman. “Perceiving or interpreting is not merely the purpose of art to me; it is a tool to transform silence into a voice of resistance,” the artist explains. “As an artist, I believe that art exists in my immediate surroundings. I aim to be present, perceiving these surroundings both from a personal and social standpoint, and interpreting them in my work.”
The current collection focuses primarily on self-portraits, landscapes, and architectural themes, integrating references from a variety of sources including the Middle Ages, anatomical studies, and medieval illustrations. Notably, Mrudula clarifies that her self-portraits extend beyond mere physical representation. “Self-portraiture doesn’t just mean ‘this is what I look like,’ but rather helps as a reflection on my experiences and demeanor. Drawing them freehand also helps understand the concept of identity,” she adds. This intricate exploration of identity is the culmination of her academic and professional experiences, including her time spent in Baroda post her Fine Arts postgraduate studies, before returning to her hometown of Visakhapatnam.
One standout series in her collection ventures into the realms of self-discovery and acceptance, narrating an experimental take on the transformations a female body undergoes during menstruation. The series features a mixed-media ensemble including a self-portrait in watercolor, a papier-mache representation of the feminine body, and a hand glove crafted from fiberglass and iron.
. Each piece delicately weaves the idea of a woman’s relationship with her body, using the fluidity and ethereal quality of watercolor to enhance the thematic undertones.
A particularly notable piece, titled “Finding My Place,” stands at an impressive 7×5 feet and is composed with watercolor. This painting intensively explores the concept of visible and invisible partitions between two sides, creating a significant visual impact with its sombre sepia tones. “While the visuals in my work may make the viewer feel comfortable and engaged, I deliberately layer my pieces with images that confront truths about assessments, conditioning, ingrained patriarchy, and the myths surrounding an ideal home,” says Mrudula.
Her work undoubtedly serves as a mirror to universal themes of identity, self-expression, and the human experience. Each element in her compositions is woven together, creating an open-ended narrative that invites viewers to engage with her art on a personal level. The sepia tones serve to offer both a warmth and intensity to her pieces, enveloping the observer in an atmosphere that is at once dark and ethereal.
Visitors to Mrudula Kunatharaju’s studio this week not only witnessed the final products of her labor but also caught a glimpse into her creative process. This transparency into her artistic journey underscores the authenticity and intimacy of her work. Through her art, Mrudula channels silence into a powerful voice, expressing resistance, resilience, and the multifaceted nature of the feminine experience.
The public will have the opportunity to further explore and appreciate Mrudula’s evocative work when it goes on display at Dhi Artspace in Hyderabad starting from July 20. This exhibition promises to offer viewers an immersive journey into feminine narratives, identity, and self-expression.
The exhibition stands as a testament to Mrudula Kunatharaju’s belief that art exists not just within the canvas, but in the everyday surroundings that shape and influence our perceptions. Through her delicate yet impactful works, she continues to challenge, confront, and inspire.
