Artwork

I See You See Me

Fabric, thread, beads Dimensions variable (2025)

'Caution: You are under CCTV surveillance.' This piece aims to unsettle the viewer by making them feel watched and observed—a reference to the omnipresence of surveillance. The moth’s ocellus serves as a warning of modern surveillance technologies, and invites viewers to confront the discomfort and reality of being observed. Furthermore, it represents the internalised gaze we all carry: a reflection of how society watches, judges and ultimately defines us. Just as the moth’s ocellus deceives potential predators or prey species, the modern gaze of surveillance shapes our perceptions of vulnerability and identity. The artwork is a take on how we carefully navigate and find a balance between privacy and exposure.

That Now I'm in a Whole New World

21 x 29.7 cm.

Gouache, Watercolors, Pan Pastels, Yarn on Paper

This piece offers a glimpse into a utopian world where gender roles are redefined. The male seahorse's unique ability to give birth is used as a metaphor for a a world where caregiving is not confined to a specific gender. By incorporating elements from the intricate craft of embroidery, which is traditionally associated with women celebrating newborns, this piece challenges conventional norms and offers an alternative perspective on gender roles and parenting practices. The embroidery serves as a symbol of the care and love that is bestowed upon the newborns, regardless of the gender of the caregiver.

Scrutin-EYES

We're Watching You

Dimensions: 23 in. x 33 in.

Medium: Grafite and Pencil on Paper

US Senator Sam Ervin said, "When people fear surveillance, whether it exists or not, they grow afraid to speak their minds and hearts freely to the government and anybody else." The panopticon exists on a similar ideology. The fear of being watched makes so many of us behave in a certain way. The octopus is a metaphor for surveillance's intelligent, adaptable and flexible nature. This piece invokes mystery, intrigue and uneasiness, similar to surveillance. You can feel watched, followed, and creeped out. Surveillance could benefit us by showing relevant ads but also invade our privacy.

-Kanupriya Mody