Arati Kushwaha: Must be Eradicated 2020

This is a semantic artwork made from paraffin wax, crayons, candle wicks and wood that represents a border as an expression of discrimination and repressed female sexuality.

Around the world, women encounter discrimination and gender disparity. But in some countries, women are freed from legal restrictions at the age of 18.

This 18-foot-long wooden plank border contains 18 statements that carry social, political and liberating messages by women. It was created by visual artist Arati Kushwaha during her residence at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora in September 2020. Engagement with language and transformation of materials are important elements of her practice.

Kushwaha uses found objects, textiles, wax, and video to explore themes of gender, identity, sexuality, femininity, and destruction. Her work often poses questions about creativity, the definition of art, and the purpose of art in society. Through her practice, she demonstrates how conservative attitudes to gender can be deconstructed with the goal of gender equity.

Kushwaha is an Indian artist who lives and works in Aotearoa New Zealand and India and is currently based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. She has exhibited in Aotearoa New Zealand, Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Germany, United Kingdom and United States. Octavia is a 2020 Arts Centre Creative Resident.