Anju Dodiya Explores Feminine Narratives at Frieze Masters

Renowned Indian artist Anju Dodiya showcases her latest works at the prestigious Frieze Masters in London, presented by the Vadehra Art Gallery. Her exhibit, titled “Ancestral Log,” delves into themes of domesticity, creativity, and the complexities of contemporary living, all while drawing connections to the artists of the past who influence her work.

Thematic Exploration of Memory and Myth

In “Ancestral Log,” Dodiya conceptualizes the studio as an ongoing logbook, capturing the myriad stories that inform her artistic journey. As she reflects on her past, she articulates, “After years of creating beauty with watercolours, I decided to temper my works by drawing in gray, a colour that contrasts with the idea of a precious image, which I fought with charcoal.” This exploration results in a collection of works that intertwine feminine narratives with surreal simplicity.

Her three primary pieces, including “Orchard Notes,” “Arachne and the Pearl,” and “A Measure of Happiness,” each resonate with deep emotional undercurrents. “Orchard Notes,” described as a “masterpiece in melancholia,” illustrates her ability to abstract form and foliage into multiple narratives. In this work, Dodiya creates a dialogue about memory and personal history, using her titles as metaphors that echo her artistic evolution.

Visual Storytelling Through Diverse Mediums

In “Arachne and the Pearl,” Dodiya draws inspiration from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and Italian frescoes, stating, “Images from ukiyo-e albums, newspaper photos, and beloved frescoes of Italy barge into my studio space, elbowing each other to assemble an emotional theatre in pale, imagined rooms.” This piece references the Greek myth of Arachne, a Lydian woman renowned for her weaving skills, emphasizing the interplay between human figures and abstraction.

Meanwhile, “A Measure of Happiness” presents a collage of women, each embodying various stages of life. Dodiya notes, “Electronic devices, with their blue light, bring reminders of the tragic legacies of disappearing trees, fires in the world, and blood-soaked clothing. The elegance and the violence around me are brief gestures that I need to grasp.” This dynamic portrayal captures the complexities of femininity, as her subjects reflect a multiplicity of experiences.

Dodiya’s smaller works, including “Fragment 7” and “Fragment 11,” explore themes of loneliness and emotional resonance. Created during twilight hours, these watercolours draw viewers into the artist’s introspective world. Each piece reflects her ongoing journey into the recesses of her psyche, shaped by a fusion of historical influences ranging from medieval tapestries to contemporary imagery.

The exhibition, curated by Sheena Wagstaff, not only highlights Dodiya’s artistic prowess but also reinforces Frieze Masters’ commitment to contemporary dialogues with historical contexts. Dodiya’s work stands as a testament to the power of art in navigating the tensions between the past and present, creating a synthesis that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

As art lovers explore Dodiya’s pieces, they encounter fragmented portraits and evocative landscapes that embody a personal grace and quietude. Her ability to weave narrative threads through various mediums ensures that each viewer leaves with their own interpretation of her intricate stories.

Ultimately, Anju Dodiya’s presence at the Frieze Masters not only celebrates her individual artistry but also invites a broader conversation about how ancestral influences shape contemporary artistic expressions. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the timeless connection between past and present, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s artistic landscape.