Young Delhi Artist Suhani Ahuja Breaks Silence On Womanhood With Her Exhibition 'Her Astitva'

Delhi, India, October 18, 2024: In a powerful exploration of womanhood and societal constraints, Suhani Ahuja, a Grade 12 student at Vasant Valley School, recently hosted her exhibition ‘Her Astitva: The Devis of Our Society Shackled’. This thought-provoking exhibition intends to raise awareness of the social injustices faced by women throughout their lives, from birth to their final moments.

Suhani Ahuja, a budding artist with a rich family legacy of creativity, has set out to make use of her work as a catalyst for social change. “Art has the power to voice the unspoken, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire change,” she states. “Through ‘Her Astitva’, I hope to start conversations about the complex realities women face in our society.”

The exhibition explores the paradoxical treatment of women in society – they are regarded as goddesses but are constrained by norms. Each piece in the collection is a raw confrontation with the roles imposed upon women, touching on sensitive topics such as marriage, widowhood, menstruation, molestation, trafficking, and the silence surrounding abuse. 

Through a diverse range of works, from oil on canvas to mixed media installations featuring wood, canvas, cloth, threads, mail and fabrics, the exhibition challenges traditional norms and stereotypes.

“My art seeks to reveal the clear divide between a woman’s societal image and her suppressed reality,” Suhani explains. “It’s about giving voice to the struggles endured in silence and the fight for autonomy.”

Her artistic journey is deeply influenced by her 13-year background in classical Kathak dance. This training has shaped her understanding of rhythm and colour, infusing her artwork with a unique vibrancy and depth. “Dance has taught me to see the world through a different lens,” she reflects. “It’s this perspective that I bring to my creations.”

In a commendable move, all proceeds from the exhibition, including sales from Suhani’s sustainable fabric jewellery brand ‘Re #Hash by Suhani’, will be donated to the Shakti Foundation. This initiative aligns with her vision of art as a medium for social impact.

The exhibition has garnered attention from notable figures, including Miss Bansuri Swaraj, a member of parliament, Lok Sabha New Delhi. In a message of support, Swaraj stated, “Ms. Suhani Ahuja’s exhibition beautifully captures the strength, struggles, and indomitable spirit of women through art. I am sure her work reflects the depth of these experiences with grace and passion.”

Guest of Honour for the event is Mr Nawal Kishore, an esteemed visual artist known for his striking representations of the female form. His presence adds another layer of artistic dialogue to the exhibition, bridging generations of artists dedicated to exploring feminine themes.

‘Her Astitva’ has become a call to question, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and join the conversation about women’s rights and societal expectations. 

As Suhani puts it, “I believe that art can be a powerful tool for storytelling and connection. Through this exhibition, I hope to inspire others to find their own voices and use creativity as a means for positive change in the world.”

The exhibition promises to be a pivotal event in Delhi’s art scene, offering a fresh perspective on age-old issues through the eyes of a young, passionate artist. It shows the power of art in driving social awareness and change, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and social activists alike.

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