The Female Legacy Project: Celebrating Women in the Arts
“Over centuries, thread has been an instrument to sew, mend, darn, embellish and create. We female artists are much like individual threads in the fabric of a society’s culture — seen but not noticed. But once you notice us, you will see us everywhere.” This poignant message greets visitors at the entrance of the ongoing exhibition titled The Female Legacy Project (TFLP), elegantly encapsulating the theme and intent of the showcase. It serves as a powerful reclamation of narratives that have long been overlooked.
Featured Artistes
The exhibition spotlights the lives and journeys of three remarkable women who have made significant contributions to traditional performing arts: Usha Rani, Seethalakshmi, and Narthaki Nataraj. Each of these artistes has carved a unique niche in a predominantly male-dominated sphere, showcasing not only their individual talent but also the cultural heritage they represent.
Usha Rani: A Kattaikkoothu Artiste
Usha Rani is renowned for her performances in kattaikkoothu, a traditional form of Tamil folk theatre. Despite never formally attending school, Usha’s remarkable observational skills and photographic memory allowed her to immerse herself in her art. She gained recognition for her compelling portrayal of Kaikeyi in The Ramayana, often leaving audiences in rapt attention. Even as the world labeled her a nadakakaari (an unofficial term for actresses), her impact on the folk art scene is undeniable, proving that recognition lies in the art itself rather than the title given.
Inspiring Journey
Usha’s journey has been filled with challenges. From a young age, she had to navigate societal expectations while honing her craft. The rich tradition of kattaikkoothu often makes space for underrepresented voices, yet it has historically sidelined many female performers. Usha’s dedication and talent highlight how essential it is to shine a light on these hidden narratives.
Seethalakshmi: The Shadow Puppetry Artiste
Another significant figure is S. Seethalakshmi, a master of shadow puppetry. Hailing from a family of puppeteers in Kakinada, her journey took a decisive turn when Y. Nayudamma, the director of the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), offered her a position after being mesmerized by her performance at the Museum Theatre. This role wasn’t just a job but a vital opportunity for Seethalakshmi to showcase the cultural significance of leather through the art of puppetry.
Roots and Recognition
Having moved to Chennai at the age of nine for her art, Seethalakshmi has not only preserved a storied tradition but has also brought contemporary relevance to it. Her meticulous craftsmanship and storytelling abilities remain pivotal in connecting younger generations with their cultural roots.
Narthaki Nataraj: The Pathbreaking Bharatanatyam Artiste
Narthaki Nataraj, a transgender Bharatanatyam artiste, demonstrates the intersection of art and identity. Initially mentored by legendary dance guru KP Kittappa Pillai, Narthaki faced numerous societal rejections due to her gender identity. However, her resilience saw her rise to prominence, culminating in the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019.
Triumphs and Challenges
Narthaki’s story is one of strength, illustrating the complexities of being a transwoman in a conservative society. Her career not only broke barriers within the dance community but also paved the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity in the performing arts. Her story inspires many who fight against the odds for their identities.
Workshops and Engaging Activities
Alongside the exhibition, Thilagavathi Palani, a 34-year-old kattaikkoothu artist, conducted a workshop focusing on koothu makeup, offering participants a hands-on experience of this traditional art form. Thilagavathi’s background as a self-taught artist underscores the importance of grassroots learning and preservation of art.
The Art of Makeup
In her workshop, Thilagavathi explained the vibrant and dramatic makeup techniques essential in kattaikkoothu. Emphasizing the significance of colors, she noted that each hue conveys specific emotions. For instance, aggression is represented by red, while heroic characters like Krishna and Arjuna are depicted with dark greens or blues.
Techniques of Transformation
Participants were guided through the meticulous process of preparing for performances involving elaborate makeup, showcasing how this essential skill becomes part of the artistic expression within the tradition. A key takeaway was the empowerment driven by self-creation, particularly for female performers, who are often tasked with designing their costumes and accessories.
Exhibition Details
The Female Legacy Project is hosted at the Alliance Française of Madras and runs until April 13 from 10 AM to 7 PM. It is a collaborative effort presented by Goethe-Institut, SNS Arts Development Consultancy, Kala Collective, and Alliance Française.
Special Events
On April 12, visitors can participate in unique events such as having portraits taken with inspiring women from their lives and creating jewelry inspired by their favorite female artistes. These offerings not only enhance community engagement but also celebrate the contributions of women in the arts.
Through vibrant performances, workshops, and evocative narratives, The Female Legacy Project is not only an exhibition but a movement aimed at bringing visibility to female artists, encouraging recognition of their contributions to cultural heritage and society at large.
