Padma Rajendran: Unfamiliar Threshold

Unfamiliar Thresholds: 

The decorative beckons prosperity to flourish in the tended space we call home. Through clashing pattern combinations and personal storytelling, Padma Rajendran’s work interrogates the dualistic contradictions between culture and definitions of universal heritage. She centers the tradition of the female body at home in her work with a psychological elasticity that communicates a pursuable abundance and homecoming yet remains bound to the oppositional threads.  The works develop symbolism around notions of “fruitfulness” that evolve into lively shrine and monument forms representing personal translations of her interior life.  Initially welcoming, upon further investigation Rajendran’s images illuminate the polarity of our daily internal struggles between what successes mean in our lives and how our homes are a site where we construct momentary solace from those outside forces.

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Padma Rajendran was born in Klang, Malaysia. She studied at Bryn Mawr College and received her M.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design. Rajendran has exhibited work at the International Print Center New York, Ortega y Gasset Projects (Brooklyn), Beers London (UK), Field Projects (New York), September Gallery (Hudson NY) , BRIC Arts Media (Brooklyn), Aicon Gallery (NYC) and most recently at Taymour Grahne Gallery (UK) . She lives and works in Catskill, NY and teaches printmaking at SUNY Purchase. Her work has been featured in Chronogram Magazine, New American Paintings, Art Maze Magazine, and Maake Magazine.