Childhood memories in vivid hues

Born in Manipur, artist Laishram Meena Devi often misses her carefree childhood days – a time she says her life was untouched by negative thoughts. Now away from home, in Delhi, she often reminiscences those days and time, and has revisited them through her artworks which are currently on display in the capital.

Titled ‘Memories’, her solo show which comprises paintings depicting young girls and ladies busy chatting and playing in their own little world, animals, elements of nature, and even a slice of her culture, bring alive her memories in myriad hues and contours.

“All the works are directly or indirectly linked to my childhood memories. For example, the work Joy of Haldi shows how as kids we loved to be a part of small gatherings among elders, even though we didn’t know anything. However, we still enjoyed being a part of the party/celebrations,” she tells Metrolife.

Talking about her life back home, Meena says that it was “completely opposite”
to the one she currently lives in the city.“There is no pollution and everything is very traditional. Also, there are no night outings. People would ask me what I do, and when I tell them that I am an artist, they would then ask questions like if I have a job. Life there is totally different. There is no market for art and very few people are aware of art and its prospects,” she says.

Interestingly, her all works are dominated by women and girls. Ask her if this is her way of depicting the Manipuri society, and Meena says, “Women in Manipur have been empowered even since I started understanding this world. A woman plays a great role, like a man, in Manipur. There is no difference between a man and a woman; a boy or a girl.

Further, expressing her views on the stereotypes associated with the north eastern society, Meena says that unlike popular opinions, people from the region, are highly traditional and uphold cultural values.

“In fact, most of my works touch these values,” she says.‘Memories’ is on display till November 10 at the Convention Centre Foyer, India Habitat Centre.