Anousha Payne: and here she dwells

About

Anousha invites us into an intimate and enigmatic space where day-to-day objects and fantastical creatures converge. It is an alternate spiritual dreamscape, and at its centre, lies a clearing which is imagined as the maternal origin of all matter, where transformative movement from ‘becoming’ to ‘being’ happens. In this central space resides She, a mythical being inspired by creatures from Tamil folklore— half-human and half-crocodile, her knees and breasts emerging from water. Flowing out of this core, are mysterious smells, memories, stories and ancient objects. This multitude forms the surrounding layers, where ancient and modern hybrid relics regenerate, transforming from animal- to human- to thing, and carry along with them ancient myths, legends and folklore. They occupy a paradoxical space, both living and non-living; visible and invisible.

Some figures appear to be shape-shifting reptilian humanoids, that are from the future, and bring back stories of dystopian scenarios. Others are transpersonal artefacts made with modern materials. They are inspired by ancient artefacts that are imbued with spirit and communicate between the natural and supernatural. Running through this dynamic space is Anousha’s exploration of the self- a personal narrative that holds this dreamscape together. She brings together stories and everyday objects, creating a wondrous and other-worldly domestic setting with elements of the spiritual. In this setting, a series of ideas related to the physical (and symbolic) space of a home/safe place are explored- not only as an opportunity for shelter and sustenance but also as a wellspring from which various aspects of spirituality and identity may be drawn.

Within this sacred milieu, questions of value take on shape. How and to what do we devote ourselves? Why do some objects evoke veneration and how do we imbue them with spirituality? How do spaces facilitate transformation and new being?