Visakhapatnam artist Mrudula Kunatharaju’s paintings delve into feminine narratives

Explore Mrudula Kunatharaju's evocative watercolor paintings delving into feminine narratives, self-portraits, and intimate surroundings at Dhi Artspace.

Artist Mrudula Kunatharaju’s recent works featuring captivating sets of watercolour paintings, delve into feminine narratives through a series of six evocative sepia-toned self-portraits and intimate portrayals of her surroundings.

The Visakhapatnam-based artist opened her studio to the public this week, offering a glimpse into her creative process and showcasing her latest body of work.

Mrudula’s work is deeply personal, with each piece offering a window into her soul.

The self-portraits go beyond representations of her physical form, each imbued with layers of meaning that reflect her identity and the struggles and triumphs as a woman.

“Perceiving or interpreting is not merely the purpose of art to me; it is a tool to transform silence into a voice of resistance. As an artist, I believe that art exists in my immediate surroundings. I aim to be present, perceiving these surroundings both from a personal and social standpoint, and interpreting them in my work,” says Mrudula.

In her current work, she focuses on self-portraits, landscapes, and architecture, also incorporating references to objects and images from the Middle Ages, anatomical interests and medieval illustrations. “Self-portraiture doesn’t just mean ‘this is what I look like’, but rather helps as a reflection on my experiences and demeanour. Drawing them freehand also helps understand the concept of identity,” adds Mrudula, who spent some time in Baroda after completing her post graduation in Fine Arts before returning to her hometown in Visakhapatnam.

One series features Mrudula’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance and an experimental take on how the female body goes through transformations during menstruation. A self portrait done on watercolour, a feminine body made from papier mache, a hand glove made from fibreglass and iron...the series reflects on the idea of a woman and her relation with her body. The medium of watercolour, known for its fluidity and ethereal quality, complements Mrudula’s themes.