BIOGRAPHY
Harita is a multidisciplinary sculptor, researcher, and aspiring curator with over five years of experience in the arts. Currently pursuing her final year of a Master's in Visual Arts at the University of Rajasthan, she blends hands-on expertise with academic rigor to create impactful work. Harita’s artistic practice delves into themes often overlooked by society, such as marginalization, transformation, and hidden narratives. Her current research explores travel experiences, unnoticed facets of life, and societal norms through sculpture, textiles, and field studies.
With a strong focus on perfection and organization, Harita brings a thoughtful and critical lens to her work, aiming to challenge perceptions and provoke reflection. Beyond her art, she collaborates with musicians like Mangilalji, documenting and preserving traditional tunes. Her vision is rooted in connecting with audiences and raising awareness about underrepresented issues, with the ultimate goal of curating exhibitions that inspire dialogue and self-awareness.
PROJECT TITLE
Veiled Remains
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
"Veiled Remains is an ongoing research-based project that investigates
the perception, control, and representation of the female body
through personal, cultural, and political lenses. Initiated during my
participation in the Creative Synergies mentorship program, this body
of work is rooted in a deep curiosity about how women's forms are
shaped—both physically and ideologically—within society.
The project began with intimate, direct encounters: taking molds of
women’s breasts from friends, family members, and strangers.
Conducted in India, where such discussions are often taboo, this act
underscored the societal discomfort surrounding the female body.
These early explorations laid the foundation for a broader inquiry into
historical and political narratives. From the harmful legacy of breast
binding to the restrictions placed on art students (like myself) in India,
where drawing from a nude female model is largely prohibited, the
work questions who holds the authority to define and depict the body.
Materiality is central to this practice. I work with lac (laac), a resin
traditionally used in the crafting of women’s bangles and harvested
from a specific insect. Chosen for its cultural resonance and symbolic
potency, lac gives physical presence to my sculptural forms. When
exposed to sunlight, it melts—emphasizing the impermanence of
women’s stories and the fragility of their historical visibility.
By integrating material exploration with lived experience, Unbinding
the Body becomes both a personal and political inquiry. It invites
viewers to engage with the temporal nature of the female form and to
ask: How long will these bodies be seen? When will these stories be
fully heard?"