The exhibition titled “Homecoming: Echoes of Belonging” delved into the themes of displacement, nostalgia, and rootedness through the captivating artwork of Shana Sood. Curated by Georgina Maddox, the showcase took place at the Kalamkaar Gallery, nestled within Bikaner House. The preview evening was graced by prominent figures such as Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of Art & Culture and Minister of External Affairs, along with the presence of renowned fashion designer Leena Singh and curator Myna Mukherjee. Together, they illuminated the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the show, setting the stage for an exploration of cultural identity and emotional connections.
A Diaspora Artist’s Reflections:
Shana Sood, a diaspora artist currently based in Massachusetts, brought a unique perspective to her artwork, showcasing her self-taught mastery of oil on canvas. Born and raised in New Delhi, with roots in Himachal Pradesh, Shana’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by the contrasts of urban vibrancy and Himalayan tranquility. Despite relocating to the US in 2005, her cultural connection remained strong and only deepened through her artistry. What began as a personal pursuit blossomed into a profound practice, supported by a network of friends, mentors, and patrons. Shana’s artistic evolution, from her early days as an anchor artist at the Patriot Place Art Gallery in Foxboro, has been marked by introspection and growth.
Portraits of Resilience and Identity:
Shana’s paintings, whether depicting a young girl in traditional attire, a bride adorned with jewels, or an elderly woman at rest, exude a sense of dignity, grace, and empowerment. The women in her artwork gaze back at the viewer with pride and contemplation, challenging stereotypes and inviting dialogue about gender roles and cultural norms. In contrast, the men depicted in her paintings, though fewer in number, exhibit gentle expressions that reflect the artist’s feminist perspective. Shana’s nuanced portrayals offer a fresh take on Indian identity, blending personal reflection with a universal sense of shared experience.
A Tapestry of Cultural Memory:
Reflecting on her work, Shana muses that her canvases capture a romanticized vision of Indianness that exists solely in her imagination. Yet, there is a collective resonance in her depictions—a familiar thread of cultural memory that transcends geographical boundaries. With each brushstroke, she immortalizes the beauty of lives lived in the intersection of multiple worlds, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and modernity.
In conclusion, Shana Sood’s exhibition “Homecoming: Echoes of Belonging” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections we hold to our roots, even in the face of geographical distance and cultural evolution. Through her evocative artwork, she invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, nostalgia, and the eternal quest for a sense of home. In a world marked by constant change and movement, Shana’s paintings offer a timeless reflection on the enduring power of art to capture the essence of the human experience.
