Standing Nude
In 'Self-Portrait as a Tahitian,' Amrita Sher-Gil offers an introspective and powerful self-image, embodied in the delicate interplay of light and shade. Created in 1934, this oil painting captures her in a state of vulnerability, wrapped in a simple white cloth which accentuates her individuality. Sher-Gil's confident stance and thoughtful expression invite the viewer to engage with her exploration of identity and womanhood. This self-portrait also dialogues with the works of Paul Gauguin, as it critiques the male-centric depictions of women in art, establishing Sher-Gil's unique voice in the narrative of modernist art.
Year 1934
About the Artwork
Created during her time in Paris, 'Self-Portrait as a Tahitian' reflects Amrita Sher-Gil's exploration of her identity as both an artist and a woman. The 1930s was a crucial period as she was deeply influenced by her experiences in European art circles and began to develop her individual style. This painting is not simply a representation of her physical self but a profound commentary on the female experience against the backdrop of Western colonial art. By embodying the Tahitian nude trope, she deviates from being an object of gaze, instead presenting herself as a complex and self-aware figure. Exhibited at the prestigious Salon des Tuileries, it solidified her place in the world of art and is now acclaimed as a national treasure in India, highlighting the cultural significance of her work.
Click on the image to enlarge
Did You Know
Sher-Gil’s work is often seen as a response to the tropes established by Paul Gauguin, whose depictions of Tahitian women influenced many artists. In ‘Self-Portrait as a Tahitian,’ Sher-Gil subverts this narrative by presenting herself as an empowered and introspective figure, challenging the colonial lens.
As one of India’s most esteemed artists, Sher-Gil’s ‘Self-Portrait as a Tahitian’ was declared a national treasure under India’s Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972, signifying its cultural and historical importance.
Sher-Gil is celebrated as a pioneering figure in modern Indian art, being one of the first female artists to gain international recognition. Her works continue to inspire new generations of artists, particularly women, who resonate with her exploration of identity and individualism.
