The Sequoia Series : #2 , I am Tomorrow

June 2002. Acrylic Painting on Canvas. 24" x 24" .

© 2002 Kavita Bali - ' I am Tomorrow '

The Sequoias Series
Seasons of Life Series

EXHIBITION HISTORY :

May 8 - June 5, 2003
(San Jose WORKS Gallery)
Relish Annual Member's Exhibition

This is my second painting in the series, a self portrait. I painted this piece over a period of time, unlike the others in the series which were painted in one intense burst of energy and inspiration. The portrait took more time, as I kept looking at it from different parts of my mind's perspective to ensure I was capturing the true potency of the subtleties of emotions.

Commentary, May 2003

Here there is a play between the fragility of one's humanity, the strength of individuality melted together with the luminosity of our soul's imagination as it's ability to surpasses cultural and societal boundaries through the power of discovering our true selves.

The necklace reflects the only shard of my cultural identity, as jewelry is often presented by relatives, it is more about sentimental connectedness than it is about ornamentation. This cultural icon, a circle of intricate gold beauty is the only 'Indian' aspect of this portrait on it's initial external viewing.

The point behind this portrait is to suggest that one's cultural power and essence do not need to be plastered on their external sleeves. The 'Indianess' of my vitality lays in the inner strength of my being.

The visual commentary here is that the external factors of our visible appearance (something our media-centric pop-culture society continually perpetuates) is not the defining element in the cultural make-up of an individual. My 'Indianess' may be suggested by the shape and color of my eyes, however, my power as a free thinking spirit blossoms from within and can not be affected by external chaos. I am first and foremost an individual and a free spirit. I am one who sees unity in spirit not in people's external appearances, rather it is the thoughtful and compassionate core of our being that connects me to people near and far.

This portrait's quietness of imagery is countered by the passionate soul that resides within, if you look closely and with an openness of heart, you shall be able to see the adventurous light behind the Indian eyes and a reflection of a peacefully empowered soul.

This portrait seems to evoke strong emotions within it's viewers, wherever it is shown. It's become a top contender as favorite by those who've seen it. Some prefer the more realistic, some the peacefulness of the expressionistic/ impressionistic landscapes (if I had to label them, I'd call them painting adventures of the imagination :) Perhaps I will voyage towards more explorations in portraiture, who knows where that will take me. The first self portrait that I painted was done in 1983. I will find it and put it up on the site one day :) I was a freshman in art school back then in Providence, Rhode Island :)

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