Feminine Narratives in Indian Art: Gender Representation in Contemporary Painting and Sculpture

Abstract

The representation of gender in art has evolved significantly over the past several decades, 
particularly in the context of Indian art. While traditional Indian art was largely dominated by 
male artists and representations of male figures, contemporary Indian painting and sculpture 
have seen a rise in feminist narratives, especially in relation to the portrayal of women. This 
paper explores how gender, particularly the feminine, is represented in contemporary Indian art. 
It discusses the role of women artists, the changing perceptions of femininity, and how gender 
influences the visual language of art. The study examines key artists and their works, including 
their reimagining of mythology, social commentary, and the exploration of female identity in 
contemporary society. By looking at these shifts, the paper aims to understand how Indian art has 
become a site for gender discourse, reshaping traditional narratives and challenging historical 
representations of women.