Artist: Sangeeta Reddy
Museum: Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (Washington, United States)
Technique: Acrylic On Canvas
ARTIST STATEMENTMost of last 26 years of my artistic life has been spent on abstract imagery. More recently, however, I have been mulling over more figurative concepts—political/social commentary, trying to figure out how it would all come together. The Smithsonian project gave me the opportunity to really explore a theme close to my heart and discover new narrative pathways in my creative process, giving rise to further hybrid ideas. The imagery in “Goddess Liberty – Ascendent” reflects a coming together of two powerful images, one of freedom and shelter in the Statue of Liberty, the other of wealth and prosperity in the eight-armed Indian goddess, Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. The heroic Statue of Liberty is a modestly dressed beacon of hope and in stark contrast to the voluptuous Lakshmi. The two could not be the products of more dissimilar cultures. This coming together of the two images—one photographic, the other painted—is an uneasy co-existence, much as life is for H-1B visa holders. In this vein, I have made little attempt to smooth over the edges where the two figures come together: the figures are literally butted up together. The eight arms of the composite figure bear temporary “gifts” or “prizes” sought by immigrants clamoring at the gate. Rather than being rooted firmly to the ground, the Goddess floats and seems to hover, ascending, almost, inside an exotic lotus, the traditional seat for Lakshmi. The immigrants for whom the Statue of Liberty was originally erected were mostly European. Since the second half of the century however, the faces have changed, and the ports of entry are numerous. Work permits and temporary visas like the H-1B have proven to be convenient, particularly since 2000. By virtue of the temporary commitment, the melting pot has morphed into something rather more
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