Aeny 

Sonaly Gandhi made this painting, Aeny, using acrylic. Look at how the figure is fragmented by this grid; it presents the body not as a singular form but as a collection of experiences. The use of warm tones, particularly reds and oranges, evokes feelings of passion and energy, yet the grid imposes a sense of constraint. There is a dialogue here between freedom and confinement. Gandhi invites us to contemplate the multifaceted nature of identity, particularly for women of color, influenced by social expectations, personal desires, and historical contexts. She emphasizes that the female form should not be limited to traditional representations. With Aeny, Gandhi provides a space to challenge stereotypes, encouraging viewers to embrace the complex tapestry of identity.