This is a portrait of Praween Devi, a woman I met in 2019 through a local organisation while working on my project Nā́rī. I met her alongside other women who gather in their back yards to embroider together, sharing stories over cups ofchai.When I asked to take her photograph, she suggested the main hall of her home, mentioning its lack of decoration and how the walls were bare except for a framed image of flowers and, notably, a photograph of all the men in the house. Before we began, she brought in a rug from another room, subtly curating the space. As I composed the shot, I included the photograph of the men, wondering how she would choose to alter the image through embroidery.When she embroidered the portrait inphulkari, a traditional craft originally from the Punjab region, she didn’t remove the photograph of the men but instead inserted three women – figures draped in pink and green, mirroring her own clothing.She embellished the space, framing herself with decorative elements and embroidery on the curtains and floor. Her additions transform the image: through needle and thread, she asserts her presence, reclaiming a space dominated by the male gaze – a quiet defiance of patriarchy and a powerful sense of solidarity, almost as if she’s surrounded by an army of women.This portrait is part of Nā́rī, a project that, over the past five years, has involved extensive research and fieldwork across multiple states inIndia, documenting and collaborating with communities of women who have survived gender-based violence.Nā́rī– a Sanskrit word for woman – carries multiple meanings, including sacrifice.In India, where domestic violence is alarmingly common, many women I met weren’t even allowed to leave their homes, whether because of their husbands, fathers or the fear of being unsafe. So I travelled to them, photographing them in the spaces where they felt most at ease.I printed these portraits onkhadi, a handspun fabric, and asked them to embroider over the images however they wanted, without any guidelines, giving them control over their own portrait.By placing creative control in their hands, these collaborations disrupt the traditional power dynamics of documentary photography. The act of embroidery becomes an extension of their voice, a reassertion of agency in a world that often silences them. Through Nā́rī, I aim to amplify their stories of survival and resilience – one stitch at a time.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toHer StageFree monthly newsletterHear directly from incredible women from around the world on the issues that matter most to them – from the climate crisis to the arts to sportEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionSpandita Malikis one of four winners of theV&A Parasol Foundationprize forwomen inphotography 2025. Her work will be exhibited at a group show at theCopeland Gallery, London, as part of thePeckham 24 festival, from16-25 May
Women behind the lens: ‘Through needle and thread, a quiet defiance of patriarchy’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Praween Devi's Embroidery Project Challenges Patriarchy and Amplifies Women's Voices"
The Guardian
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The article presents a compelling portrait of Praween Devi, a woman whose story is intricately woven into the fabric of the Nā́rī project, which focuses on documenting the experiences of women who have survived gender-based violence in India. Through a chance meeting in 2019, the author encounters Praween and other women who gather in their homes to embroider and share their stories. During the photo session, Praween suggests using her home’s main hall, where the stark walls are adorned only with a photograph of the men in her family. This moment symbolizes the male-dominated space she inhabits. However, as she transforms the photograph into an embroidered portrait in phulkari, a traditional Punjabi craft, she introduces three women figures draped in vibrant colors that echo her attire. This act of embroidery not only beautifies the image but also serves as a powerful assertion of her presence and a quiet rebellion against the patriarchal norms that surround her. By embellishing the space, she reclaims her narrative and creates a sense of solidarity with other women, almost as if she is surrounded by an invisible army of support and empowerment.
The Nā́rī project, derived from the Sanskrit word for woman, aims to highlight the struggles and resilience of women in India, where domestic violence is a pervasive issue. Many women involved in the project have faced restrictions on their mobility and autonomy, often dictated by the men in their lives. The author travels to these women, photographing them in their comfort zones, and then invites them to embroider over their portraits printed on khadi, a handspun fabric. This collaborative process allows the women to take control of their representation, effectively subverting the traditional dynamics of documentary photography. The embroidery becomes a medium through which they can express their voices and assert their agency in a society that frequently silences them. Through this innovative approach, the Nā́rī project seeks to amplify the narratives of survival and resilience among women, fostering a sense of empowerment, one stitch at a time.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a compelling narrative about Praween Devi, a woman who engages in embroidery as a form of self-expression and defiance against patriarchal norms. This story not only highlights her personal journey but also connects to broader themes of women's empowerment and resilience in the face of systemic gender-based violence in India. The use of traditional craft as a medium for personal and collective expression is significant in this context.
Purpose of the Article
The central aim appears to be raising awareness about the struggles women face in patriarchal societies, particularly in India, where domestic violence is prevalent. By showcasing Devi's story and her act of embroidery, the article emphasizes the importance of reclaiming space and identity for women, thereby advocating for a narrative that empowers rather than silences them.
Perceived Societal Impact
This article likely seeks to foster a sense of solidarity among women, encouraging readers to reflect on issues related to gender equality and domestic violence. It aims to inspire empathy and understanding among its audience, potentially galvanizing support for women's rights initiatives. The portrayal of embroidery as an act of defiance may resonate well with feminist movements and organizations advocating for women's empowerment.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on the positive aspects of women's resilience and creativity, it may downplay or overlook the systemic challenges that persist. There could be an implicit risk of romanticizing the struggles of women by framing their resistance in artistic terms, thus potentially masking the harsh realities they face daily.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article seems credible, as it draws on personal experiences and insights from fieldwork. However, the narrative's emotional appeal may lead to a subjective interpretation of the broader societal issues. This emotional framing can elicit strong responses from the audience, which may not always align with the complexity of the issues at hand.
Comparison with Other Articles
When compared to other articles covering similar topics, this piece stands out by focusing on a personal story rather than statistical data or broader analyses of gender-based violence. This narrative approach may strengthen its emotional resonance, but it could also limit a comprehensive understanding of the systemic issues involved.
Sectorial Image
The publication of this article contributes to a growing narrative within media that seeks to highlight women's voices and experiences, positioning the outlet as socially aware and supportive of gender equality movements. This could enhance its image as a platform for marginalized voices.
Societal and Economic Scenarios
The article could influence societal attitudes towards women’s roles and rights, potentially leading to greater advocacy for policy changes regarding gender-based violence. Economically, greater awareness may lead to increased support for women-led initiatives and businesses, fostering a more inclusive economy.
Community Support
This narrative is likely to attract support from feminist groups, women's rights organizations, and communities focused on social justice. It appeals to those who resonate with themes of empowerment and resilience, encouraging engagement with broader social issues.
Market Influence
While this article may not have a direct impact on stock markets or financial indices, it could influence sectors related to women's empowerment, social enterprises, and artisanal crafts. Companies and investors focused on social impact might find relevance in such narratives.
Global Power Dynamics
The issues highlighted in the article are pertinent to ongoing global discussions about gender equality and human rights. The personal narrative of Praween Devi serves as a microcosm of larger societal issues that many women face worldwide, reinforcing the need for continued advocacy.
Use of AI in Article Creation
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in the editorial process, particularly in structuring the narrative or enhancing stylistic elements. However, the personal touch and emotional depth of the story suggest that human input played a significant role in its creation. AI might have been used for data analysis or to refine language, but the core message and storytelling appear distinctly human. In summary, while the article effectively raises awareness about important issues, it does so through a lens that may simplify the complexities of gender-based violence. The emotional narrative can inspire action, but it must be balanced with a realistic understanding of the challenges at hand.