Shikha is a Bengali name meaning “flame”. Neena Sewsunker’s exhibition currently running at the BAT Centre’s Menzi Mcunu Gallery focuses on two aspects of an Indian identity: the ancient religious aspect of Hinduism and the Indian gender issues.

On the work Cosmic Time, the artist has done research on Hinduism. “The big bang theory is widely accepted as the origin of the universe,” she says,” yet scientists still have to answer where did it come from because their belief is that nothing comes from nothing.”

The second part of the exhibition, based on gender issues, attempts to seek answers on what it means to be an Indian woman in today’s society. This is evident in several art pieces especially the art piece entitled Escape. “Here a woman’s life is like concentric circles”, Neena explains, “she is in focus of several identities, each rotating around her central being in which her individual identity is easily lost – thus creating a yearning to escape.”

Neena’s work is expressive and sincere, the work of an artist who has blossomed through experimentation. She is currently pursuing a teacher’s degree and has a good relationship with children.