The Brown Girls | Acceptance | Ch 02
Acceptance by Naina Dalal
Naina in a Convocation-gown holding a degree certificate (MA, Fine, Painting), 1959
From the days of imagination, the time has come to accept the ever-changing reality. A struggling transition period of recognizing her new identity. A period when a girl goes through changes in physical features and characteristics including shape, size, and colour. A constant consciousness creeps in about her body, her appearance, society’s perception of her newness. Body shaming to attention gazing becomes a difficult part to tackle when the girl is already coping with herself to being new. At this point, acceptance of oneself is the key. Alongside appearance, finding one’s own identity is essential. Who am I?
The varying hormonal changes create a menstrual cycle that leads to mood swings but most importantly a girl now develops a sense of values. Society may comment on her long nose, wide eyes, coloured skin, not so luscious lips, unattractive hairstyle, but when the girl understands her core, no one and nothing can stop her, and lead her to depression facing body-shaming experiences. These artworks becomes very special as it helps the viewer in understanding a girl, not on basis of her looks but going beyond, and understanding her.
Lotus, India’s national flower which represents’ beauty and purity, has medicinal benefits during the menstruation period. Most importantly it symbolizes the strength of one’s inner potential and divine perfection. And that is what every girl has to believe and be self-confident before stepping into womanhood!
Appreciation of beauty is cool, but to only rely on that in knowing a person reflects our limited understanding. It is the character of a human being that attracts, and makes them lovable, that is why these works convey a subtle message that is relevant in the present times.
Buy paintings online | DRS Fine Arts
Text and Narration: Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
