South Asian Perspective Exhibit

South Asian Perspectives highlights the many journeys of South Asian girls, or Desi girls growing up to become the women of today. This exhibit brings together a collection of stories told through paintings, exploring ideas of beauty, tradition, and personal choices—like marriage or other life pursuits. Shaped by authentic storytelling, South Asian Perspectives is helping to reshape narratives of identities labeled as undesirable. 

Children live in the present moment, free from labels like religion, skin color, caste, and gender.

In adolescence, they begin to understand their bodies and the dedication it takes to preserve culture. 

As adults, they uphold traditions, understanding the significance of their roles within family and community while balancing personal identity.  

Individuals experience the emergence of a new identity, like disability, at various points in their lifetime—childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. As with any identity, this journey involves forming a valuable relationship with one's self while maintaining a deep connection with community members, one that is cherished and reciprocated. For a community's heart beats the strongest when it honors and respects its members; each one nourishing the other, to flourish.  

Shortened exhibit description for library use. Click here to visit the original exhibit summary. 

Dr. Grishma Shah's mixed-media art exhibit is showcasing in the Commons at the Central branch for the month of January.

Dr. Grishma Shah is a psychologist, filmmaker and artist based in Chicago. A self-taught painter immersed in culture from her South Asian roots, Grishma pursued careers in psychology and public health while also engaging her true passion in the visual arts. With various accolades and certificates from University of Illinois, National Louis University and Harvard University, her work focuses on understanding and influencing cultural shifts through authentic storytelling. Many of her clients are located in Hollywood and work in the entertainment industry.

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