Photo credit: Kokil's Studio, Self Portrait 2017, oil on acid-free paper, A4
It is a well known fact by now, that women are equally capable, talented and resourceful as their male counterparts. It is true in the arts as it is in any other industry. But somehow, all that the historians ever talked about (with all due respect) are the Picassos, Rembrandts and Rothkos of the art industry with only one exception of Frieda Koehlo. Surely, there must have been more talented and hard working women artists in the past as there are today.
Women artists have a different approach towards their subject, we have a different kind of sensitivity and understanding of people, nature and any subject that we choose to bring to life. Therefore, as far as arts are concerned, women can bring about a whole new change on both social and professional levels.
In my own personal experience, I find that women have to work harder than men to receive the same amount of credit and results. This is because we have to break through more mental barriers than men do. We are expected to make more compromises and be more forgiving on a both personal and professional front. Having said that, I do believe that we are going through a period of transition and I personally think that most of us are moving in a positive direction.
As a working artist I am grateful for all the opportunities that are now available to women. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Women artists need equal opportunities and exposure as male artists. We need to be recognised and valued for our talent and work. In order to break through the challenges we face in our professional lives, it is not only important to have the support of our peers but also have the love and support of our family and others who are close to us.
The recent elections in America have given rise to sort of a movement around the globe, particularly in the Western part of the world. We all saw how the new American president objectified and degraded women regardless of their success and achievements in their field of work. Sadly, it isn't just Donald Trump who carries that attitude around. Thousands of men around the world live with the exact same belief system. Donald Trump is just a reflection of a larger population that still doesn't value women's voice, hard work or intelligence.
Deepak Chopra once said that "Our leaders, good or bad are the reflection of the society we live in." This is true for the American president and all the leaders around the globe. However, on a brighter side, the recent upheaval caused by Donald Trump's unfair remarks have helped realise the problem and has brought these issues to surface. This type of an attitude has existed in almost every line of work for several years and it is time that they are resolved.
A few years from now, I am hopeful that things will have changed for the best and we will see more women achieve success and recognition in art as in all other fields. Being a woman, especially in the arts is a blessing because we are not only sensitive but extremely strong, we are not only wise but extremely practical and we are not only kind but extremely generous towards the causes we believe in.
On an end note, it is my sincere hope and belief that one day, women won't have to struggle as much as we do today to be heard and respected for who we are. We will not have to compromise with our beliefs to simply survive and hopefully one day women artists will make it to the history books so it won't be as big a deal as it is today.