S he firmly believes that this is an age of new-generation women who have evolved from continuous repression and is more upfront about exercising her fundamental rights and privileges. “I’m grateful that I’m here now,” she holds with conviction. A Kolkata-based artist, Anita Gurbaxani dwells on the feminine facets, drawn from the women in her everyday surroundings. Thus deeply delving into her creative inspiration, she recently exhibited her collection at the Kolkata Oxford Bookstore based on the theme “She”, with a view to celebrate the cause of women on the occasion of South Asian Women’s Day for Peace, Justice, Human Rights and Democracy, that was observed on November 30. Fifty per cent of the proceeds from the sale will benefit Swayam, an NGO that fights violence and oppression against women and looks into their welfare.

Anita’s paintings depict the changing profiles of modern women via myriad expressions dipped in a colourful palette. Armed with a unique style of ethnic modern art and aided with a palette knife, she feels that the urban woman has become so Westernised, that there seems to be no striking difference between those in the East and the West, owing to the globalisation effect. The influence is quite strong and instrumental. The rural belle however, has gained more awareness to voice her own opinion. “She takes things in her stride and is more forthcoming in her approach towards life,” Anita instances the drastic change.

When asked where do women in India stand in comparison to other nations across the Asian belt, the artist firmly asserts, “I guess our conditions are much better off than those whose plight is even more excruciating under the orthodoxy rule of religious fundamentalism and gender bias. The recognition of freedom of speech is often being suppressed in these backward countries that form a breeding ground to superstitious beliefs.” Quiz her on the enactment of law against domestic violence and she is quick to reply, “Today women are going to the court to lodge complaints and bring the batterers to justice. Though it’s taking time at the grassroot level, still awareness is spreading in leaps and bounds.” The complete series of 19 paintings mounted on display comprises of oil on canvas and oil-n-acrylic on canvas, are priced between Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. Having delineated faces that signify both happy and grim emotions, this staunch stickler for Buddhism elaborates: “Interestingly, if you unscramble the three letters of the word ‘She’, it would form an acronym for Self, Her and Else. They signify three different identities of women standing at different social and economic positions.” Having recently displayed her painted pieces on the theme focusing on women at a solo show in Delhi, Anita is currently in talks for an exhibition of her insightful oeuvre in Montreal, come June 2007. Not surprisingly, all the earnings from the show will go to different womencare organisations.