The artwork, titled “Autobiography: India (Lakshmi),” is an evocative piece created by Howardena Pindell in 1984. Executed in collage medium, this figurative artwork is associated with the Postcolonial art movement. The piece serves to narrate and explore themes related to postcolonial identity and cultural heritage.
The artwork presents a circular composition centered on an image of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Surrounding the central figure, the collage features a variety of images that showcase architectural structures, cultural motifs, and landscapes linked to India. The imagery is layered and interwoven, suggesting the intricate and multifaceted nature of identity and memory. The colors are vibrant, contributing to the dynamic and rich texture of the collage. Through this piece, Pindell artfully captures the essence and complexity of postcolonial narratives and personal histories tied to the Indian subcontinent.
