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Every autumn, Kali is worshipped in a popular festival in Bengal, where communities sponsor clay images that will be immersed in water after ten days of worship. There is a multiplicity of ways in which the deity can be imagined. Anita Dube participates in this multiplicity by creating her own representation of the goddess. Dube uses soap dishes to create a semblance of divinity. The fact that she uses bathroom objects is almost outrageous, as the bathroom is seen as an unclean space where divinity should not enter. Yet the bathroom is also connected with ritual, as it is the space where one is cleansed before worship.For Soap/Lick, Dube stacks a column of seven soap dishes. They are identical, apart from a small protrusion in front that grows progressively larger from top to bottom. This small change is crucial to the work, as this protrusion looks like a tongue, a symbol of Kali. A trident passes through all seven soap dishes, another emblem of Kali. Thus Dube represents the Goddess without having to attribute to her the human characteristics of a face and a body. Covered with red velvet, the soap dishes lose their everyday connotation. The colour red is also associated with divinity, with Kali who spills the blood of the demon and with divinity in general due to the use of kumkum (vermillion) during worship.

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Artist Biography

Anita Dube: Sculptural Fragments and Social Memory

Anita Dube (born November 28, 1958) is an Indian contemporary visual artist and art critic whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. Born in Lucknow, India, her artistic journey began with a rigorous grounding in art history at Baroda University, shaping her perspective on the intersection of personal experience and broader societal concerns – a core element that defines her distinctive creative approach. Her affiliation with the Baroda Artists’ Group, formed in 1987, solidified this commitment to radical expression, prioritizing social and political consciousness within artistic practice.

Early Influences: Dube's formative years were marked by exposure to the avant-garde movements of India, particularly the influence of artists like Sunil Gupta and Ranbir Singh Bose, who championed conceptual art and challenged traditional aesthetic conventions.
Education & Training: Her studies at Baroda University provided her with a foundational understanding of Western art history alongside an exploration of Indian artistic traditions, fostering a synthesis that informs her visual language.
The Baroda Artists’ Group: Joining this influential collective propelled Dube into the forefront of India's contemporary art scene, where she collaborated with fellow artists to develop a deliberately provocative stance against established norms and hierarchies.

Conceptual Sculpture and Fragmented Narratives

Dube’s artistic practice centers around sculptural fragments – objects that retain traces of their original form while simultaneously hinting at lost histories and unspoken narratives. She skillfully employs materials like plaster, resin, and fabric to create evocative pieces that explore themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of identity. Her sculptures aren't merely aesthetically pleasing; they serve as conduits for conveying profound emotional resonance and prompting contemplation about cultural heritage.

Material Exploration: Dube’s masterful manipulation of materials—particularly plaster—allows her to capture subtle textures and imperfections that amplify the sculptural form’s expressive potential.
Symbolic Representation: Recurring motifs in her work – often referencing mythological figures or archetypal imagery – contribute to a layered visual vocabulary that speaks to universal human experiences.
Spatial Composition: Her sculptures are carefully positioned within spaces, inviting viewers to engage with them on an experiential level and fostering dialogue about their significance.

Notable Works & Exhibitions

Dube’s artistic output has garnered critical acclaim and appeared in prestigious exhibitions across India and internationally. Among her most celebrated pieces include “Splitting the Subject,” a photographic study of an attic’s light and shadow that utilizes diagonal composition to convey a sense of disorientation and melancholy; "Untitled (DD3AQQ)," a collaborative installation with cr nanaiah featuring pink strings and geometric paving, designed to evoke meditative contemplation; and “Silence (Blood Wedding),” which investigates themes of repression and vulnerability through sculptural form. Her commitment to social engagement extends beyond her artistic endeavors, as she actively supports initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged children in Delhi and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Legacy & Significance

Anita Dube’s contribution to Indian contemporary art is undeniable. She has championed a distinctive aesthetic rooted in conceptual exploration and imbued with social responsibility—a paradigm shift from conventional artistic representations. Her work continues to inspire artists and scholars alike, demonstrating the power of art to confront difficult truths and foster empathy for diverse perspectives. Furthermore, her dedication to educational outreach underscores her belief that creativity can serve as a catalyst for positive change within communities.

Anita Dube

1958 - , India

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Contemporary Art
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Radical Indian Art']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['cr Nanaiah']
Date Of Birth: November 28, 1958
Full Name: Anita Dube
Nationality: Indian
Notable Artworks:
- Splitting the Subject
- Untitled (DD3AQQ)
- Silence (Blood Wedding)
Place Of Birth: Lucknow, India

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Soap/Lick

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