Vox Populi
A Public Sphere for Poetry, Politics, and Nature. Over 15,000 daily subscribers. Over 7,000 archived posts.
Nisha Gupta: Election Night 2016
I painted ELECTION NIGHT 2016 to express the fear and grief I experienced watching the election results trickle in Tuesday night, from my position as a woman of color. I seek to make art to visually illustrate the psychological impact of sociocultural oppression on cultural minorities, in hopes of generating societal empathy, advocacy and solidarity. I was also told that this painting was very healing for some people to view, helping them bring voice to the fear and pain they were also experiencing in light of the hate crimes rising against people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community since the election.
I hope that by sharing this painting, others who are afraid can feel understood somehow, and realize they are not alone in their suffering. I also want to share this painting as an opportunity to express my gratitude for all the allies during this time of fear and uncertainty.
Perhaps we are all being called to transform our pain into beauty and action somehow, in the ways that come most naturally to us as unique citizens of this country; art is my way.
.
“Election Night 2016” (acrylics on 9 x 11 cotton canvas) by Nisha Gupta
Vox Populi 
The loneliness, fear, and pain represented here capture what so many of us are feeling. It’s beautiful – yet tragic. Like any good work of art. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So perfect Nish 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person