Kirthana Selvaraj (B.1986) Kirthana and Oscar

Kirthana Selvaraj (B.1986) Kirthana and Oscar oil on canvas, framed 91.6 x 61.6cm (36 1/16 x 24 1/4in). Footnotes: 'This piece is a more personal work and was never meant to be shown in public—it was an important moment of integrating art therapeutically.'' Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Kirthana Selvaraj is a South Asian artist, working on Gadigal Land, Sydney, Australia. Through her practice, she navigates the intricacies of identity, culture, and societal intersections. Her work, deeply rooted in a neo-colonial feminist discourse, explores themes of race, unseen perspectives, gender dynamics, and the nuances of sexuality. Her interest revolves around figuration and the intricate ways in which diverse bodies have historically been represented in art, as well as how they are perceived within the broader social consciousness and imagination. While discussing her work for the auction titled, 'Kirthana and Oscar', Selvaraj reveals the intimate genesis of the piece–never intended to be shown in public. 'This piece is a more personal work and was never meant to be shown in public—it was an important moment of integrating art therapeutically. I spend time working in mental health, unpacking racial trauma and fighting against oppressive systems. I found that during the height of Covid and uncertainty, I overextended my emotional, physical and spiritual capacity. Almost surrendering to the idea that my worth is inextricably linked to my labour,' she says. Her companion within the piece, Oscar, a cross between a chihuahua and a pug, aged around 84 years old, brought forth a crucial reminder of the vitality of rest. 'Oscar reminded me that rest can be radical, he urged me to pause even when pausing felt impossible. In this self-portrait, I hold him tentatively, not preciously against my body. There is a certain insolence in my expression, he defies me, tests me but also forces a curiosity between what is and what could be.' The work encapsulates the defiance against societal norms dictating worth through labour, advocating instead for radical self-care–a narrative embodied through the colours and mindful strokes exemplifying her skin. 'In some ways, Oscar gives me permission to not always fight every battle, to recede, not into passivity but radical self-care. I hold this in the saturated colours, uninhibited, breathing freely on my body and illuminating my skin. I'm reclaiming rest, as a political act.' Selvaraj brings forth the power of rest not merely as a moment of repose but as a radical act of self-preservation–an assertion of one's worth beyond the confines of productivity-driven norms. Selvaraj graduated with a BFA from the UNSW School of Art & Design in 2017 and a Master of Art Therapy from Western Sydney University in 2020. She has also been a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2023 and 2021, the Portia Geach Memorial Award at the National Trust S.H Ervin Gallery in 2022, 2021, and 2020, and the Lester Prize at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in 2022. Her practice, a manifestation of her personal and collective experiences, continuously gravitates toward the portrayal of the human body. Recalling her journey into art school she says, 'I remember going to art school as a 'mature age' student and thinking that in order to be an artist, I had to completely break myself apart and move so far away from what felt closest to me. What I realised was the body is a locus for so many things; violence, joy, tenderness, pleasure, pain, sexuality, and often the bodies I saw revered and honoured in painting were not bodies that looked like mine.' Selvaraj found solace in reclaiming the body as a focal point. Her work evolved to encompass her Tamil ancestry, queerness, cultural heritage, and unexplored terrains while seeking to acknowledge alternative histories existing alongside Eurocentric knowledge systems and art narratives. 'I am currently exploring concepts and ideas that form connections between ancient South Asian practices and contemporary subject matter.' Her current research involves interpreting Rajput and Mughal paintings in a present-day context. She also plans to produce a series of 10 to 15 large and small-scale works on painted cloth and raw silk. Her focus will remain centred on non-dominant histories, striving to unveil narratives often overshadowed by mainstream discourse. Selvaraj's practice stands as a testament to resilience, intertwining personal narratives with broader societal reflections, and inviting viewers to explore the multiplicities of identity. As she continues on her path, her art serves as a beacon, illuminating overlooked narratives and inviting contemplation on the intricacies of the human experience. Bonhams is delighted to present this work as part of 'The Asia Edit: Contemporary Art from the South Asian Diaspora', a group of contemporary works uniting artists from mesmerising pockets of South Asia. From New Delhi to Dhaka to Bhutan, it features some of the most sensational names from the subcontinent, including Avijit Halder, Ayesha Kamal Khan, Jasmir Creed, Kirthana Selvaraj, Md Tokon, Meena Hasan, Preetika Rajgariah, Vikram Kushwah, and Zimbiri. Through themes that reclaim one's identity, champion self-acceptance, and seek refuge in daydreams amidst a perpetually transient existence, the works encapsulate the inner conviction that eventually surfaces when one feels like an anomaly within their surroundings. Through personalised interviews and essays, the edit strives to provide each participating artist with the ability to weave a cohesive narrative of their distinct perspective and practice. Shreya Ajmani, a writer who explores the global impact of art from South Asia and its diaspora, has written this text for Bonhams. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing