Student art addresses gender issues in South Asia

Publication Date
The Private is Political: Dhea Kothari

Dhea Kothari '22, a studio fine arts and psychology major from Mumbai, examines contemporary Indian society in a new exhibit at the Wikoff Student Gallery, located on the third floor of the Nott Memorial.

In “The Private is Political: Dhea Kothari,” she honors the history of Indian miniature painting while telling the story of her generation.

Kothari mostly works in oil paint, but she also uses watercolor to depict an array of divine female powers and printmaking to bring unrepresented goddesses to life.

“My recent work revolves around the day-to-day life of South Asian women and explores the heavy burden of being a woman in a patriarchal world,” she says. “I record the thoughts and beliefs of the people of a less progressive India and try to create parallels for a more modern India tomorrow.”

The show runs through Aug. 15.

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, the gallery is open for on-campus members of the Union College community only, with access via the basement door with Union ID. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.