Shyama Golden, an artist based in Los Angeles, delves into the realm of oil painting, which she describes as her first love. Despite initially pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and spending a decade as a designer and illustrator, Golden’s passion for painting persisted. In 2020, she made the decision to fully commit to her art practice, culminating in her solo exhibition titled “Incarnation,” currently on display at Friends Indeed Gallery in San Francisco from September 15th to October 1st.

Capturing Cultural Heritage and Identity

In “Incarnation,” Golden offers a captivating exploration of cultural heritage and identity. Her paintings feature Sri Lankan masked folk dancers disguised as Yakkas (devils), who traditionally engage in colorful and often comedic exorcism rituals to rid individuals of unseen spirits causing physical and mental ailments. However, in Golden’s reinterpretation, these dancers are depicted in mundane American settings, participating in everyday rituals while navigating their lives. Through these imagined realities, Golden seeks to reconnect with elements of her cultural heritage that are fading away, highlighting their transformation into tourist spectacles rather than their original purpose as occult healing rituals. According to Golden, these paintings also serve as manifestations of her subconscious anxieties, which permeate her daily experiences.

Drawing Inspiration from Everyday Life

Many of Golden’s current paintings draw inspiration from the semi-wild and hilly Mount Washington neighborhood in Los Angeles, where she resides. Immersed in the landscapes and cultural nuances of her surroundings, Golden infuses her artwork with a sense of place and personal connection. By intertwining elements of her everyday life with broader themes of cultural identity and heritage, Golden invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of modern existence and the evolving nature of tradition in contemporary society.

Conclusion

“Incarnation” by Shyama Golden is a thought-provoking exploration of cultural heritage, identity, and subconscious anxieties. Through her skillful use of oil painting, Golden transports viewers into a realm where tradition intersects with modernity, inviting reflection on the preservation and evolution of cultural practices. As audiences immerse themselves in Golden’s vivid imagery and imaginative narratives, they are prompted to consider their own connections to heritage and the enduring power of art to evoke emotion and introspection.