Where Can I Be Myself by Rashna Hackett
Acrylic on Canvas - Size: 100 W x 100 H x 2 D cm
Rashna Hackett’s acrylic painting, “Where Can I Be Myself,” is a powerful, evocative work that speaks to the complexities of identity and cultural intersectionality. Measuring 100 cm square, the painting vividly illustrates Hackett’s intuitive and instinctive approach to art-making, allowing her emotions, moods, and deep-seated cultural influences to shine through in every brushstroke.
Hackett’s artistic style is marked by a dynamic interplay of abstract figures adorned with vibrant, patterned headpieces and jewellery, each infused with cultural symbolism that speaks volumes. The figures in “Where Can I Be Myself” appear in dialogue with each other, their postures and expressions a blend of celebration, contemplation, and tension. This interplay of interactions among the figures reflects Hackett's personal navigation of her mixed-race heritage, drawing from the rich tapestries of Indian and African cultures, each deeply scarred by histories of colonisation.
The composition is bold and confrontational, with exaggerated features and elongated necks that evoke a sense of otherness, both elegant and unsettling. The figures’ exaggerated expressions and the contrast between geometric patterns and organic forms illustrate a psychological dance—an attempt to balance the multiplicities of identity. The bright, clashing colours on the headpieces set against the muted greys of the figures’ bodies underscore the dualities Hackett experiences within herself: celebration versus conflict, tradition versus modernity, and personal identity versus societal expectations.
Hackett’s choice to paint without a predetermined plan allows her works to evolve organically, acting as a direct channel for her subconscious thoughts and emotions. This approach results in a raw, unfiltered portrayal of her inner world—a realm where the psychological conflicts of her mixed heritage and the influences of her forty years in England collide and converge. In “Where Can I Be Myself,” the figures seem almost trapped within their own space, yet there is an undeniable sense of resilience and beauty in their presentation. This can be interpreted as Hackett’s exploration of belonging, identity, and the constant negotiation of self amidst diverse cultural influences.
Her painting deftly navigates between abstraction and figuration, allowing viewers to project their interpretations onto the scene. Hackett’s use of rich, vivid colours and patterns nods to her Indian and African roots, while the fragmented and sometimes disjointed nature of the composition suggests the dissonance often felt by those who straddle multiple cultural identities. The figures do not directly engage with the viewer but rather seem caught in a moment of introspection, asking implicitly, “Where can I be myself?”—a question that resonates universally but feels deeply personal in Hackett’s hands.
Rashna Hackett’s “Where Can I Be Myself” is not just a painting; it is a visual diary of a complex emotional journey. Her work bravely tackles themes of race, identity, and the lingering impacts of colonial histories while celebrating the rich, multifaceted tapestry of her cultural background. Hackett’s art invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of self and the often invisible borders that define, divide, and connect us all.
This artwork can be purchased on Saatchi Art but I dont think its going to be available for long!
