Art that drives positive change

Hyderabad: The Chitramayee State Art Gallery in Madhapur, Hyderabad, witnessed a grand finale of a thought-provoking art exhibition by the multidisciplinary expressionist contemporary artist Sabita Lakshmanan. Her solo exhibition, ‘It's Not 'Just’,’ which opened its doors on October 21 and was to end on Sunday, is likely to be extended to another day.

"Amid the noise of our mundane lives, we often forget to pause and smell the roses, or notice that they are gone. Perhaps we even consciously shut some things out to avoid being overwhelmed," the artist said, talking about her works. "In ‘It’s Not "Just",’ I wanted to shed light on important issues that we tend to overlook and the intricate details that shape our lives and emotions."

Lakshmanan is known for her exploration of environmental, feminist, and humanist perspectives. This exhibition marked her third self-curated solo show, following the success of ‘Seamless Connections’ in 2018 and ‘The Quieter Zone’ in 2019, both hosted by Alliance Française Hyderabad.

She describes herself as an expressionist artist, where boundaries blur "between the art I create and the life I live."

"My work is about the core of being human in all its complexities in the relationship with the environment. She incorporates text to connect with her art, using whichever medium I find most appealing at the moment," she said. Because it's all about the core of being human, according to her, the human body is just a medium to celebrate the brilliant design of nature, and her art is a dimension to express the life she leads.

‘It’s Not "Just"’ showcases inclusivity that transcends borders, connecting people irrespective of colour, gender, or religion. Sabita Lakshmanan's work resonates deeply with the pressing concerns of our time, notably feminism and environmentalism. According to her, feminism means respecting women and thus, humanity as a whole, while 'protecting both boys and girls from the unhealthy trappings of a patriarchal conditioning and mindset, to build a healthier society.' Her work takes a strong stand for gender equality, sparking conversations and driving positive change.

On the environmental front, her art delves into issues like deforestation, pollution, and thoughtless urbanisation. She advocates for reforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable development, considering these as essential for our survival.

Lakshmanan’s work has earned her a place in numerous group exhibitions with renowned curators. Notably, she was among the 20 selected artists for the AIS Open 2020, in the juried international exhibition ‘Now That We Are Free,’ part of the contemporary annual art festival, ‘An Indian Summer,’ in Leicester, UK.
Her commitment to the causes she upholds, including science and the environment, nature conservation, children and women, and human rights, is deeply woven into her art. The artist's interests outside of art, such as yoga, trekking, science, books, theatre, music, food, and travel, all contribute to her unique creative expression.