{"id":375799,"date":"2026-04-01T03:54:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T03:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/375799\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T03:54:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T03:54:10","slug":"anoushka-mirchandani-conjures-ancient-mythological-nature-spirits-in-vibrant-oil-paintings-colossal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/375799\/","title":{"rendered":"Anoushka Mirchandani Conjures Ancient Mythological Nature Spirits in Vibrant Oil Paintings \u2014 Colossal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Throughout Southeast Asia, nymph-like, shape-shifting deities associated with clouds and water known as apsaras<\/a> are commonly depicted in sculptures and other artworks dating back millennia. For San Francisco-based artist Anoushka Mirchandani<\/a>, who was born in India, these mythological beings are the spirits, so to speak, of vibrant oil paintings.<\/p>\n

Tapping into family memories and her upbringing influenced by South Asian cultural traditions, Mirchandani explores mythology and perception. Her current solo exhibition, My Body Was a River Once at ICA San Jos\u00e9<\/a>, explores the tradition of the apsara through a lens of timelessness, femininity, and biophilia. Curated by Zo\u00eb Latner, the show emphasizes the dynamic between power and vulnerability, exemplified by Mirchandani\u2019s approach to the figures\u2019 presence and ease amid the unpredictability of nature.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cBy the Perequ\u00ea-\u00c1\u00e7u\u201d (2025), oil and oil pastel on canvas, 48 x 36 inches<\/p>\n

As a child, Mirchandani observed apsaras in the ancient Buddhist caves<\/a> of Ajanta and Ellora. \u201cThese water-women are beings of transformation, embodying sensuality, cosmic energy, and the transmission of matrilineal knowledge,\u201d says an exhibition statement.<\/p>\n

In the paintings, figures are at one with their surroundings, virtually faceless with the exception of shadows that suggest lips and noses. The outlines of their bodies merge with tropical plants, moss, boulders, and flowing streams, and their flesh is partly transparent. Additionally, the underpainting of each work comprises a terracotta red, inspired by the clay-rich soil of the Indian states of Goa and Maharashtra. Starting with this earthy pigment literally grounds Mirchandani\u2019s compositions in a sense of home and belonging.<\/p>\n

My Body Was a River Once continues through August 23. See more on Mirchandani\u2019s Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cRites of Return\u201d (2025), oil, oil pastel, and oil stick on canvas, 80 x 73 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>Left panel of \u201cAll Us Come Cross The Water\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>Right panel of \u201cAll Us Come Cross The Water\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cCherry Springs\u201d (2025), oil, oil pastel, and oil stick on canvas, 40 x 30 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cYou Could Pull The Tide In By Her Hair\u201d (2025), oil, oil pastel, and oil stick on canvas, 60 x 48 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cVanishing Point\u201d (2025), oil, oil pastel, and oil stick on canvas, 40 x 30 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cTo Tear a Hundred Veils\u201d (2025), oil, oil pastel, and oil stick on canvas, 60 x 45 inches<\/p>\n

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