“DITYA” is an evocative oil painting that immerses us in reflections on memory and personal identity, presenting an image that is not a portrait, but rather an embodiment of a childlike beginning living inside an adult self. Created in 2023, the work occupies a substantial space measuring 2450mm by 2000mm and is executed on a durable linen base.
The artist conducts an introspective search for the remnants of childhood innocence and naivety, those qualities that once defined us as children. The painting captures the gaze of a child, innocent and naive, a little person whose essence was once all of us. It is an exploration of the eternal child within us, the whimsical and naive spirit that pushes us to adventure, wanting to live life to the fullest, to explore and enjoy the little things. The child in the painting represents purity, an eternal symbol of the desire to live, untouchable in the face of the complexities of adulthood. But, as is often the case in our world, everything has two sides. In the adult lives a small child, and in the child awakens an adult. In her eyes you can see a frozen moment that encapsulates the vulnerability we experience in the face of the world. It is a profound moment that is often painful to even talk about, a tacit acknowledgement of the pain of holding on to the past.
This work transcends mere visual representation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the duality of our nature and the eternal child that lives within each of us, encouraging us to appreciate the simplicity and profound beauty of life.