'Risk it all for Joy', an enchanting showcase featuring the works of Bengali-British painter Mousumi Saha at VFD Outsiders Gallery in June/July 2024.
Rose symbolism has existed as a metaphor for cosmic consciousness since the birth of world religions from Sufism and Hinduism to Christianity. The suspension of the flowers in a dream-like sky create a certain dimension of divinity which the painter felt was encapsulated in the poem ‘The Sick-Bed’ by Rabindrinath Tagore.
The painter’s recent experiences of health issues herself and in her family have further defined that her biggest source of delight over despair has been witnessing simple moments of life force in action, primarily in the close observation of flowers in bloom..
The artist also unashamedly embraces the decorative, romantic and feminine associations the rose evokes - a motif ever present in chintzy wallpaper and Rococo-inspired show plates.
