Rhea Maheshwari, duality and euphoria, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 400 x 300mm, 2024.
In exploring the aesthetic language of Mughal miniature painting through the intimate lens of self-portraiture, Rhea Maheshwari's new exhibition seeks to bridge temporal, cultural and stylistic divides.
Mughal miniature painting, known for its precision, layered symbolism, and devotion to delicate detail, provides a vivid framework for romantic expression, transforming the act of self-portraiture into a dialogue with history, heritage, and identity. The work invites viewers to see how diverse influences can come together, offering a harmonious collaboration between cultural perspectives. Each piece evokes the subtle beauty of Mughal aesthetics while opening the canvas to modern interpretations of self and romance, using art as a means of fostering empathy, curiosity, and unity across cultures.
Although the phrase ‘amor fabrica’ doesn’t appear as a classical Latin phrase with a historical meaning, if we break down the components, amor fabrica could be translated as "love of craft" or "love of making." It describes the joy or dedication found in the art of creation and the fulfilment one finds in building or crafting things with intention and artistry.
