Olivia Sand
October 2024
From the early stages of her artistic career, Chitra Ganesh (b 1975) has always seen herself as an activist, bringing exposure to causes she felt strongly about and highlighting conditions that needed attention. Born in New York to Indian parents, her focus was initially directed to the condition of Southeast Asian women living in America, a focus that has progressively shifted to broader issues related to femininity, sexuality or power. In a moment when topics like abortion or gender are widely discussed, Chitra Ganesh echoes these issues, oftering ways to embrace them.
As a visual artist who also studied comparative literature, her practice draws from a variety of references and disciplines, bringing together elements from mythology, folk tales, Surrealism, and comics, to name just a few. Her lush paintings that frequently incorporate embroidery or jewellery feature elaborate narratives that challenge stereotypes and traditions applied to women. Through her diverse practice that is based on painting, installation, and video, Chitra Ganesh makes it a point to create work that is related to our existence and our time. Her latest exhibition is doing just that.
• Until 26 October, Gallery Wendi Norris, San Francisco, gallerywendinorris.com
