T. K. Padmini

T.K Padmini was a prominent, pioneering artist of the last century. Born in Kerala, her work was rooted in her experiences under patriarchal frameworks and reflected keen observations surrounding the rigours of daily life and intimate gestures shared between women. She explored fundamental themes of womanhood, femininity and identity, and boldly challenged societal norms with depictions of unconstrained, often nude, figures - marked by equally audacious and assertive brushstrokes. Her career was shaped by a distinct strain of resilience, at odds with the gendered and financial limitations that plagued a tragically short lifetime. Her courage, dissent and indomitable skill have shaped the artistic landscape of today, while her invocations of village life and cultural symbols have contributed to, and emphasised the need for, the preservation of our rich heritage. 

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