https://www.camberwellresidency2021.com/mathusha
தமிழ்மகளிர் தின வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Happy Tamil Woman’s Day) is a triptych photo series depicting a snapshot of Mathushaa Sagthidas’ cultural identity and heritage. The series evokes a sense of nostalgia by featuring specific objects such as her mother’s Sri Lankan ID card, traditional jewellery and ceremonial objects. The focus on these personal objects highlight their significance in playing an important role in the Sagthidas family history and identity. The rich deep red palette in the series is bold, depicting her family’s strength and resilience. A self-portrait of Sagthidas dressed in traditional clothes also emphasises her establishment within her culture. This series speaks of Sagthidas’ personal journey of being a Tamil woman, reclaiming her roots and being proud of her heritage. As a Tamil woman myself, I related to imagery used with the series and found it empowering to see a part of my own identity represented through this photo series.
- Shaanthi Rajah, 2nd Year Fine Art Sculpture