You were one of the first South Asian women to make political art in the UK. Tell us how you decided you wanted to follow this path as an artist?
I didn’t have a set plan….I think I was born a feminist. I’m the first South Asian woman to make political work in the Uk. I didn’t set about on this path… it just flowed...
I now have an Honorary Doctorate from University Arts of London I received 2 years ago.
As you know I’ve always been involved in feminist activism. eg I helped set up the first women’s refuge in chapeltown in Leeds uk in 1976 when I was doing my BA honors at Leeds Polytechnic where I received a first class honours…it was the late 70’s punk days / great days to be at art school for music .. punk -reggae -funkadelic – politics – feminism – anarchism – Marxism -Rock against Racism.
I was part of the Mukti feminist magazine collective …we produced in 6 South Asian languages from 1984 onwards
My work is self expressive, witty, fun and uplifting.
It mashes up stereotypes to create new identities beyond the limitations imposed on us South Asian Women in a British cultural context.
Which female artist of the past inspires you the most?
Anni Albers – American German textile artist is one of my faves.
How do you think the Tate Britain commission references your exploration of South Asian femininity?
My Tate Britain “ Remembering a Brave New World‘ takes inspiration from the luminous struggles and victories of the past to offer hope for a brighter future.
It combines Bollywood imagery, colonial history and personal memories.
I’ve changed the figure of Brittania, a symbol of British imperialism into Kali our Hindu goddess of liberation and power …many illuminated deities, shapes and words are joined by Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi .
At the Slade school of fine art where I made my “riot series“ of etchings, screenprints and lithographs are now in the Tate Collection…and due to be exhibited at Tate Liverpool in spring 2021.
Considering the current state of the market, do you think you will interact with digital technology in your work?
I react / work with digital technology already. My animation / film “Dada and the Punjabi Princess“ interacts with digital technology .
All The steps of Tate britain are digital paintings I made on my Ipad.
Your works have always depicted your British Indian heritage. Is there one visual reference you use in all your work, and can you tell us more about your process?
One visual reference in all my works are my self portraits and childhood memories eg my dads ice- cream van.
My process combines HB pencil drawing , coloured crayons , oil pastel, collage, Ipad paintings mixed Media
What was it like growing up in Liverpool and is there any vivid memory from that time which has been reflected in your work and could tell us more about it
I had a very tough working class playful childhood in liverpool. I grew up with no books or art materials. I helped out in My mum and dads ice cream van… went around backstreets of liverpool Dad and cleaned our van / ice cream every nite so no time for homework.
My dad – a magician entertained seamen off ship and relatives in a social club..that’s why the Tate Britain commission is so magical ..
My dad is a bespoke tailor trained in Punjab and Calcutta so he made my outfits and my mum a knitter, made my cardigans hence I this is where i have a feel for textiles decoration , pattern and colour you see on my Tate britain facade .
We couldn’t afford toys so only had a broken doll and played out in the streets age 4 to 11… making up our own games like hopscotch and marbles and football which is why the Tate britain commission is quite fun and playful -is profound!
Watched Hindi films at this age too in our local picture house every Sunday. .. hence Bollywood imagery / collage on the Tate columns and pillars.
Went to Blackpool illuminations / lights/ every year hence neons are on Tate Britain.
Would you like to share any tips for new female artists and have you ever been given a great piece of advice when you started out?
Follow your heart and your dreams .. be generous … thoughtful, get on with your fellow artist friends…be kind.. and smash patriarchy …