Shashikala Raj   Tecnica: Oil pastel and brushwork on canvas using acrylic and enamel paints Anno: 2023 Dimensione: 30cm x 30cm Descrizione: This work is part of a series that I am painting featuring women, called "Not now, I'm reading" Books are a haven; a window into multiple worlds and unreachable unimaginable lives. Books can be empowering and render women dangerous. Women have always had constant demands on their time. The ability to say ‘Not now, I am reading’ does not come readily. Reading can be dismissed as unimportant and frivolous; an easily interruptible pursuit. The women featured in this series are self-confident, powerful women who are readers, who will not hesitate to still the cacophony around them to glide into another world The strong colours that are used represent their personalities, and the moods they are in – brooding, inspired, annoyed or just savouring their fired imaginations.