Pennungal: Lives of women and girls is the first solo London show by Keralan artist Sosa Joseph, currently at David Zwirner London.
Frequently called God’s own country because of its beauty, this part of India can seem idyllic but dark currents lie beneath.
Joseph paints memories from growing up in Kerala (one of the most progressive states in India) reflecting on the lives there for women and girls and attitudes that may not have changed much since her childhood.
Sarada, below, shows a woman’s body being washed. Sarada was a pregnant girl who had been found drowned in the river.
Many gave me a sense of unease and sadness, such as The Cradle below.
Her paintings have an otherworldly feel, akin to magic realism with the river a frequent presence.
