Pushpamala N
Pushpamala N (1956– ) is a multidisciplinary Indian artist based in Bengaluru. She completed a Bachelor of Arts (Economics, English and Psychology) at Bangalore University in 1977 before going on to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Sculpture) at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 1982, which was followed by the completion of a Master of Arts (Sculpture) at the same university in 1985. A pioneer of conceptual art in India, and widely known as a leading feminist artist, Pushpamala N works with sculpture, photography, video and performance. After starting out as a sculptor, she began using photography and video in the mid-1990s, performing various roles in front of the camera in order to challenge ideas about history, cultural memory and stereotypes. She has influenced art practice in India, and has collaborated widely with writers, directors and filmmakers. Pushpamala N has exhibited internationally and frequently speaks at seminars and conferences. Her works are held in significant public collections, including the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
Images: Pushpamala N with Clare ARNI
Lakshmi 2001
Returning from the tank 2001
from the series Native women of South India (manners and customs)
chromogenic prints
55.7 x 37.3 cm; 55.7 x 34.5 cm
courtesy of the artists and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) (Bengaluru)
Images: Pushpamala N with Clare ARNI
Cracking the whip D-4 2000–04
Returning from the tank 2000–04
from the series Native women of South India (manners and customs)
sepia-toned gelatin silver prints
13.1 x 8.8 cm (each)
courtesy of the artists and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) (Bengaluru)
Image: Installation view of Visions of India: for the colonial to the contemporary featuring artworks by Pushpamala N with Clare Arni, Monash Gallery of Art, 2021