Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 2 x 3 ft
Year: 2023
The Haku Patashi, a traditional uniform for the Newari female community, is a symbol of unity and identity. The artist’s portrait painting explores the enigmatic nature of this traditional attire, concealing the subject’s face and allowing the viewer to imagine themselves as a sister or daughter. The subtle red powder falling from the subject’s hand signifies the fading tradition, while the dark background leaves a void. The artist selectively reveals only a fraction of the subject, enhancing the enigmatic quality and highlighting the diminishing presence of traditional attire and its impact on cultural heritage.
