The Art of Manju
May The Fourth Be With You!!
Year three of the ‘Art of Manju’ has been an odyssey! This year can be divided clearly into phases - pre and post COVID.
Pre COVID, there were exhibits, and I began to serve as President of the DC Chapter of the Women’s Caucus of the Arts. Art, much like life, moved at a steady joyful clip.
And then, came COVID.
After being laid up for a while with active COVID, I thought I was all better, and dived back into work.
Mistake. Huge mistake.
Ahimsa III
अहिंसा III
6" x 6"
Mixed Media on Canvas
June 2022
I won’t bore you with the havoc this little virus has wrecked upon me – honestly, given the lives lost I have suffered so little.
Ambrosia III: Delta
12” x 36”
Acrylic & Rose Gold Leaf on Canvas
(February, 2023)
I first picked up the brush back up post COVID for a Ganesha commission. I was horrified to discover that I had developed tremors in both my hands (to say nothing of the other symptoms). I spent hours sobbing in front of my easel because my hands would slip and scar the canvas.
After months of rehab, I am getting better.
Ahista: Slow
आहिस्ता
24” x 24”
Acrylic on Canvas
December 2022
The commission took about quadruple the amount of time a comparable piece has taken in the past. Every time I look it, I am grateful to be alive.
Untitled Ganesh Project (Commissioned Piece)
36” X 36”
Acrylic on Canvas
October 2022
The Ganesha now hangs in an office in a faraway land, I hope it suffuses everyone who sees it with blessings and gratitude.
Anusmaran Series
Mixed Media on Canvas
November 2022
I leaned into the chaos of my limits and began to pour paints. In hindsight, I see a lot more organic flow and black in my work from this last year.
Ahankar I: Ego 1
अहंकार I
6” x 6”
Mixed Media on Canvas
December 2022
The unexpected upside of the smaller pieces has been lower price points. While going small started out as a way to recalibrate, it means that a larger segment of people who love my pieces are able to afford them. Exactly the people for whom these pieces were created! A COVID silver lining.
Aadhar: Foundation
आधार
11” x 14”
Mixed Media on Canvas
The pieces were also suffused with vulnerability and light. They were talismanic. Like this blue one above, which now hangs in the burn recovery unit at a hospital.
As always, I am immensely grateful for your support through this journey. Drop me a line and let me know how you are doing! In growth and gratitude, Manju
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