'By The Phoenix: Through The Fire', curated by Kristine Michael is a group show featuring nine women artists - Anju Paliwal, Benitha Perciyal, Élodie Alexandre, Falguni Bhatt, Jyoti Singh, Madhur Sen, Srinia Chowdhury, Veenu Shah, Vineeta Oswal - comprising of both established artists in their mediums and young talents bringing new and cutting-edge disciplines to their body of work.
"The analogy of clay and fire as a shared primal source is particularly evocative, emphasizing the elemental and fundamental aspects of creation. The cyclic nature of creation and destruction and its linkages between cosmic processes to artistic endeavour is a powerful concept that underscores the idea that genuine creativity involves not only the act of building something new but also the willingness to dismantle and reconstruct, much like stars collapsing and reforming in the vast expanse of space. The parallel drawn between a woman's life and the artistic process is thought- provoking. These voices of women artists share their creative vision and exploration of mediums, often relegated to the domestic craft status, by looking to their own lives, personal narratives, psychological and mystical states of being. References from social and experiential landscapes stimulate a range of visual and tactile responses as the development of visual vocabulary has matured radically with the inclusion of elemental mediums dependant on fire for their transmutation. The comparison to the firing and molding of clay further emphasizes the agency and resilience required for both artistic creation and personal growth. Viewing a woman as a phoenix, constantly reinventing herself, resonates with the dynamic and transformative nature of existence. The acknowledgment of the challenge artists face in breaking free from established patterns and overcoming creative blocks adds a layer of realism to the narrative. It speaks to the struggle and perseverance required to push beyond comfort zones, suggesting that the true essence of art lies in the continuous exploration of novel forms of expression."
- Kristine Michael