Meet Osheen
The power of art and community to drive societal change
Osheen Siva's story is one of hope and innovation. A multidisciplinary artist from Thiruvannamalai in India, now based in Goa, Siva believes in the power of art and community to drive societal change, their own work a beacon of inspiration for young people worldwide.
We sat down together to hear about their ideas and projects, and their vision for a sustainable and inclusive future that values diversity, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Hi Osheen – tell us about your vision for an inclusive future
In my vision of an inclusive future, the core elements revolve around empowering marginalized communities by fostering support and recognition within existing power structures. Facilitating seamless collaboration and communication across borders is essential, as is ensuring unbiased access to knowledge for all.
Too often, the histories and cultures of the underprivileged are forgotten, erased, or censored, highlighting the urgent need for equal dissemination and preservation of diverse perspectives and experiences.
How do you integrate art and community to drive societal change?
In my art practice and through my platform, I aspire to not only share my family history, my societal position, and my vision for a hopeful future, but also to provide representation and a voice for those in circumstances similar to mine.
While the Dalit community is often recognized for the struggles and adversity we endure, it's important to acknowledge that amidst these challenges, there exists love, strength, and solidarity that are frequently overlooked.
I aim to shine a spotlight on this sense of joy and community, emphasizing the richness of our experiences and the resilience of our spirit.
What are your favorite projects that embody your innovative approach to building a better future?
One of the most fulfilling projects I've had the privilege to work on is the mural "Providers and Protectors" by St-Art India Foundation in Kannagi Nagar, Tamil Nadu.
What resonates deeply with me, consistent with my mural practice, is the opportunity to engage directly with the local community and portray them in their own living environment, reflecting their aspirations and identities. I also admire the democratic nature of visual as well as public art.
This particular piece draws inspiration from the fisherwomen of Chennai who tirelessly serve as sellers of the daily catch brought in by the men from the sea each morning. Beyond their role in the marketplace, these women are also the nurturing forces within their families, fulfilling the responsibilities of homemakers.
Through this mural, I aimed to shed light on the immense workload shouldered by women in Indian households and the disproportionate amount of labor they undertake.
It's a tribute to their resilience and the invaluable contributions they make to their families and communities, often unseen and under appreciated.
What challenges have you faced in your work, and how have you overcome them?
Navigating the realm of anti-caste and feminist work within a predominantly radical right-wing governance can present formidable challenges for myself and fellow practitioners in this space.
As a self-taught artist, grappling with self-doubt and structuring my practice had been a struggle as well. However, reaching out to academics, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and anyone engaged in this field has proven invaluable.
Through these connections, I've been able to find mentors and foster a sense of community that has profoundly supported my growth.
I am deeply grateful for their guidance and encouragement, which have served as pillars of strength amid the obstacles we as a community face.
How does your story serve as a beacon of inspiration for young people globally?
Through my artistic endeavors, I aim to establish a platform where fellow artists and practitioners working in similar spaces can connect and resonate with one another.
I also aspire to instill a sense of possibility and wonder in young artists who may harbor apprehensions about carving out space within a predominantly homogeneous industry.
My goal is to inspire the confidence to cultivate one's own unique practice, a sentiment I yearned for when I was younger.
Osheen Siva
Osheen Siva is a multidisciplinary artist from Thiruvannamalai, currently based in Goa. Through the lens of surrealism, speculative fiction and science fiction and rooted in their Dalit and Tamil heritage, Siva imagines new worlds of decolonized dreamscapes, futuristic oasis with mutants and monsters and narratives of queer and feminine power.
Past clients have included - Adult Swim, Whatsapp, Gucci, Vans, Converse, Levis, Dr.Martens, Decolonize Fest among others. They were also an Illustration Jury member for the One Club for Creativity - ADC's 100th Annual Awards in 2021.
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