Barooja, Confinement

Watercolor on Paper, 12 x 16 in.

From the Artist:

Confinement builds from themes established in Blue Wall, however here I try to bring out the indirect gender discrimination that prevails in our society. My parents are not sexist but often the occupation has come in my way of taking the opportunities and it was the cause of concern for my parents. I remember my parents were even scared to send me and my sister to school after the Asiya-Nilofer tragedy. Because there was an army camp nearby, my mom and grandma would accompany us to and from the bus stop even when we were in college. This was same for almost every girl where I grew up. Occupation made our parents overprotective of us. Although I do whatever I want to do, I have learned my limits.

The occupation emboldens sexist beliefs even among women. It is easier to be part of system than to bring the change or take a stand.

For this painting I have used the red trees with wires in the foreground that represent the violence and oppression. In the background is the house, a confinement within a confinement. In between is the portrait of the woman with a white bird which indicates the limited freedom and hope that women have. I use the colour Red in this painting for its dynamism— it can ground positive as well as negative contexts. Here it is used as a negative emotion: Red symbolizes the rage, danger and demand for attention on the issues that affect us the most.