Virago
वह तीर थी,
तलवार थी,
भालों और तोपों का वार
थी,
फुफकार थी,
हुंकार थी,
शत्रु का संहार थी..
- Tribute to Rani
Durgawati
Pradnya’s works are
addressing the strength of women: man-like, a female warrior. ‘Heroine’ is the
English word for Hindi वीरांगना (vīrāṅganā) or rather, a ‘Virago’. However, with time the
meaning of Virago shifted towards negativity as fighting battles, wearing men's
clothing, or receiving the tonsure was not considered as women’s prerogative.
So, virago is used disparagingly, to imply that a woman was not as excellent or
heroic, but was instead violating cultural norms.
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी, वह तो
झाँसी वाली रानी थी…
(Queen of Jhansi fought like Virago)
Yet, we appreciate Queen of Jhansi Rani Laxmibai, Gondwana Queen Durgavati,
AwadhBegamHazarat Mahal, SavitribaiPhule, Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi and so
many.
 |
| Pradnya Khandgaonkar |
It is surprising that
Pradnya asked me to write for her catalogue. As a man, I find it challenging to
think like a woman as her works provoke layered feminine angst. Although, by
nature, men are masculine and has physical strength, with technical advancement
it is the intellect that is considered real strength. In spite of it, there are
millions of women abused by men who are still influenced with their false ego.
It is in the hope of humanity that these tortured women survive and very often
emerge stronger than men. As Pradnya says, “I feel women have strong
personalities and should be portrayed as a blend of power and care.” The sheer
ability to care for others is the source of power and greatness that needs to
be recognised and depicted.
 |
| recent work by Pradnya Khandgaonkar |
In Pradnya’s
paintings, the women sometimes wear naqaab, army uniform or they are
nude, holding symbolic routine issues like abuse, fear, war, peace, erotism,
love and our planet. The violence and abuse has a subtle and restrained quality
in her works. Her rendering has a very delicate and detailed quality that
evokes a quizzical experience in the viewer’s mind. The visuals are calm and
meditative without direct propaganda but keeping the silent boldness of the
rebelliousness towards the social oppression. It is obvious from the works that
the artist looks at the subjects’ contexts analytically and turns to swim out
of the vortex. Her ‘women’ give an unshakeable positive motivation to aspire
and admire.
Rajesh Pullarwar
Artist / Curator
