Jan 21 - Feb 26 Vicky Talwar: "Overlapped Memories"

As an artist, I use my intersecting social identities as South-Asian, female, post-colonial, diasporic, and Canadian to engage with themes, including identity, temporality, movement, and memory. Using natural elements and a variety of flora has been a healing source for me; they have helped to challenge the cognitive dissonance and the cultural disruption I have experienced throughout my life as both a Hindu and a Canadian. Flower species, much like those that make up the floral garlands traditionally used in Indian rituals. They can differ in size and colours, having multi-layered identities. Through their differences and similarities, we become captivated by their beauty and diversity.

The vibrant colours, textures, and multiple frosted layers represent the memories that have formed the basis for my current reality, fluid and denoting place and time. Sacred threads are seamlessly weaved and intertwined through natural objects. These threads and their intertwining nature act as a metaphor for my Hindu-Canadian culture. Worn-out and knotted, these threads express a spectrum of emotions. The juxtapositioning of one style of painting with another further suggests a cultural disruption. Each new frosted layer invites the viewer to closely examine what lies beneath the surface, challenging notions of sanctity and security and showing vulnerability and longing for home, heart, peace of mind, and a place to belong in my truest authentic form.

Vicky Talwar