1993/4 47

5 x 73.8cm (18.75 x 29in)

Poster colour, gouache and gold dust on mountboard

 

This painting is primarily a tribute to some very dear friends, regarded as sisters by the artist. It shows the friends sitting with the artist and her two 'biological' sisters in the girls' bedroom, the "usual retreat for catching up on the latest 'news' and escaping the noise of a busy household!" The artist expresses here something of the pleasure and amusement that comes simply from "the girls' get together". The happy atmosphere is represented by the decorative sun motif that 'beams' down from the ceiling, and the background setting of a paradise-like garden in full bloom under a golden sky. In addition, saffron, orange, red and yellow, the traditional colours of optimism and happiness within Indian culture, dominate the composition.

The painting also contains clues as to the various likes and hobbies of those represented, and the topics of conversation and private jokes which pass between them. However it is mostly the artist's own interests that are revealed. The painting's title, 'Les Girls', is named after one of the artist's favourite Hollywood musicals, and also indicates her love of the glamorous image associated with that genre. The radio cassette player refers to her passion for music; and the influence of her Catholic Convent education are evident in the rosary, and other Christian images around the room.

At the bottom of the composition the artist's "cousin sisters", emulate one of the pastimes of her own happy childhood by dressing up. The painting is also a celebration of femininity. A poster of Marilyn Monroe, "representing the ultimate in beauty and glamour", contrasts with 'The Madonna,' "a sanctified image of womanhood which parallels the elevated status that women are afforded within traditional Indian philosophy and religious thought". Above all, it expresses the close bonding and warmth that is inherent in female friendship.

 

Copyright the artists