THE KAMADHENU SERIES: FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF GOGI SAROJ PAL

Abstract [English]

Art is life, and art is the mother that gives life to the world's objects. Fine arts are considered the best among them, and contemporary art reflects the thoughts and concerns of the present time. Artist Gogi Saroj Pal's "Kamdhenu Series" embodies this ideology, showcasing the social, cultural, and emotional condition of Indian women. The series uses the mythological "Kamdhenu" cow as a symbol to portray women's roles, struggles, and power in Indian society. The series not only highlights Nair’s struggles but also honours her indomitable courage and stamina. Gogi Saroj’s artworks make viewers think about how women’s identity and their rights can be restored in society. This approach of the artist combines traditional religious symbols with modern feminist consciousness. In her artwork, it has been depicted that just as kamdhenu fulfills the wishes of everyone, similarly Indian woman also dedicate their entire energy, love and existence in nurturing the family, society and culture. After all this, her own existence, freedom and identity are left behind. It is through this series that the artist has tried to depict this social irony. In the artwork painted by the artist the combination of women and cows is visible, sometimes the body of the women is seen changing in the form of cow sometimes the emotions of the women are displayed in the face of the cow. On the one hand, she symbolizes creation, and on the other hand she carries the burden of exploitation and expectations. The series presents women as divine, vibrant, struggling, and self-aware, inspiring viewers to reclaim their rights and recognize their true identity in society.