Biography
Deepikah R B (born 1985) is an interdisciplinary artist from India. Trained in Communication design from New Delhi, she uses painting and installation art to express issues related to gender, interconnectedness and ecology. Her project “Trial Room” tackles body dysmorphia and social conditioning, and was exhibited at Gender Bender 2018 and then at The Irregulars Art Fair in 2019. She was one of the three selected for virtual residency Fissure, curated by Shaleen Wadhwana by Pollinator which culminated as the project Sarv Satvik Rashtra | Atmanirbhar 2Q48 in January 2021. She was artist and organizer for the show “Aliens Aren’t Coming" that she also conceptualized in the summer of 2023. She is focusing on relationships between the human and non-human in her thesis at MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at OCAD university, Toronto. Deepikah was also the recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship in 2023.
Artist Statement
Growing up in New Delhi within the confines of a patriarchal household marked by the lingering echoes of partition-transformed rage into Islamophobia, I navigated a non-confrontational and non-political upbringing. The challenge to defy the norm and pursue a design education was met with resistance from my father, but my unexpected success in design 2003 set the stage for a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.
In my 20s, my aspirations were simple – a coveted design job at MTV in Mumbai, a beacon of liberal promise in India. Yet, as feminism gradually seeped into my consciousness, I began unraveling the complex relationship between patriarchy and the rising tide of right-wing, uber-capitalist political ideologies. As an Indian woman artist, I found myself frequently editing my identity to conform to societal expectations, a process that spanned various roles throughout the years.
The year 2021 marked a significant chapter as I immigrated to Canada, presenting an opportunity to amplify and reconnect with my authentic self. Amidst my endeavors, "Bad Mama" stands as a testament to my commitment to exploring the intricate politics surrounding motherhood and care work. This ongoing project dares to bring the private and the unmentionable into the open, highlighting the perpetual public scrutiny that infiltrates the personal.
My artistic expression spans the spectrum from maximalist paintings to immersive installations. "Nature Not Mother," a recent installation, serves as a conduit to disrupt anthropocentrism. It seeks to materialize the life forces that envelop us, transcending the human-centric perspective. This creation is an ode to the perpetual cycle of blooming and decay within the larger eco-system, a poignant reminder that humanity is but a humble part of this intricate web of life.
Through my art, I strive to dismantle preconceived notions, provoke contemplation, and pave the way for conversations that challenge the status quo. "Nature Not Mother" and "Bad Mama" are threads in a larger narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of existence, motherhood, and our place within the broader ecological tapestry. As I navigate this new chapter in Canada, I embrace the opportunity for personal and artistic growth, guided by the pursuit of authenticity and the relentless quest to unfurl the layers of silenced narratives.
-
-
-
Share