Courtesy of the artist and Janakpur Women’s Development Center
Madhumala Mandal’s paintings go beyond depictions of the daily lives of women, with her reimaginings and reassertions of the role of women in society. Her practice roots itself in Mithila art to critique the gendered lens through which labour is valued. Hearing stories of women riding motorcycles in neighbouring villages and running their own businesses, all while raising children, inspired Mandal to depict female protagonists in colourful scenarios that challenge traditional gender norms.