INTRODUCTION

Siji Krishnan portrays life in the image of a spider's web. The web can be seen as a symbol of the cycle of life, the ups and down and hits and misses of ones existence. At another level it compels one to see it as a metaphorical representation of a self-contained habitat or an ecosystem – a web of life – where species are inter-dependent for survival.

The lacework-like web is draped dramatically over twigs and thorns becoming the central motif of her composition. She weaves a story set under the starlit night when the habitants of the web and twigs find themselves revealed. The sense of playfulness as also of being trapped are evoked in the scene. A spider creates its web with gossamer silk threads that are so delicate yet precise. In these threads there's tension and elasticity, as in our lives. Krishnan's watercolours bring forth these qualities. Nature is part of her worldview and the organic feel is enhanced by the medium she uses – naturally textured rice paper and the adroit application of the wash technique. The latter aids to reveal the depths of the night skies as well as it suggests the velvetiness of the central motif.

She creates intimate, delicate and intricate scenes that are dramatic in their serene ways.

Jasmine Shah Varma

Born 1983 in Kerala, India
BFA, Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, University of Kerala
MFA, Sarojini Naidu School of Fine Arts, Central University of Hyderabad
Lives in Hyderabad