This artwork is part of a series by Ashu Gupta titled “Dialogues”, that depict a range of emotions, ideas, inner thoughts, and feelings. The contemporary artist chooses different subjects, delving into their consciousness and bringing to life their internal dialogues. Showcasing breathtaking detailing in her work, Ashu uses the intricacy of her chosen techniques to make a poignant statement about the complexity of human thought, dreams and desires that are often unspoken.
In “Rusted,” Ashu contends with the perils of modern living. The text that makes up the silhouette, which is notably devoid of a heart, references all the trappings of the 21st century lifestyle that erode our sense of self. Social media, online shopping, and selfies degrade our ability to feel pure emotions or nurture genuine connections. While they increasingly become the markers of our identity, they deprive us of true connections. Created entirely out of a single loop of intricately woven text, the work is evocative of the time and precision that Ashu’s artistic process demands.