One of the paintings, titled Bhrun Hatya, by Ragini Agarwal. Picture by UB Photos

Sept. 13: From female foeticide to energy conservation, ecological preservation to civic woes — Ragini Agarwal’s canvas lucidly illustrate the burning problems of the times.

The first solo exhibition of the self-taught artist got under way at the State Art Gallery here last evening.

In the oil aptly titled Bhrun Hatya, Ragini expresses the trauma of women and how the practice of female foeticide affects them.

It captures the varied moods of a woman when she is forced to kill a girl child in her womb.

“This is a practice that is commonplace in many parts of the country. There are still people who give more importance to a male child. Under such circumstances, a woman is forced to kill her child in her womb. I have tried to capture the emotions of a woman — the trauma, love for her unborn child, fear and her lack of options when it comes to raising her voice,” said Ragini.

Although the artist has not come across such incidents in real life, instances shown on television and written about in the media inspired her to take up this theme.

Other female-oriented themes like the restrictions still placed on young girls, were also depicted on canvas.

“In a painting I have drawn a female figure inside a glass jar, which is a symbolic representation of how girls are still subjected to restrictions whether it be home, career or elsewhere,” said Ragini.

The 71 creations on canvas comprised oils, acrylics, watercolours, pencil sketches and others.

“The paintings are highly experimental. She has tried to work in different mediums, which is good for a budding artist. Her treatment of colour is good,” said artist Noni Borpujari while inaugurating the exhibition.

Speaking on the upcoming artists of the region, Borpujari said, “There is no dearth of talent in the region. The young generation is highly talented. The problem here arises when they get labelled as being from the Northeast. Whenever someone from here makes a good name, many try to dismiss it, saying since he or she is from Northeast, the person might have achieved it under some kind of reservation. Besides political gains, this kind of differentiation has brought us no good,” Borpujari added.