Silent Blooms: Unspoken Fortitude
36" x 24"; Acrylic Paint
Amidst vibrant flowers, the elderly South Indian woman in 'Silent Blooms' symbolizes unseen strength within sorrow. Clad in a simple saree, devoid of jewelry, bindi, flowers on her hair, her reflective gaze reveals a nuanced journey of grief and resilience. The flowers that surround her are not mere symbols of transient beauty; they are affirmations of enduring spirit - a testament to her unspoken fortitude. In a moment of profound sadness, the painting captures the enduring spirit that not only sustains the individual but becomes a source of quiet strength for those touched by her unspoken resilience.
This South Indian woman is rendered with strong lines inspired by Kalighat painting, while being enveloped by the detailed, floral patterns of Madhubani art in the surrounding background / border. In the past, widows were not allowed to wear flowers even when they are nurturing their growth and surrounded by them, making this portrait a reflection of her quiet strength & grace.