The Ideal Marriage, an exhibition by artist Ashraph, on at Y Gallery on Taylor Street in Woodbrook, may seem uncomplicated. With its repeated iconography and simple lines, the casual viewer might miss its hidden meanings, but a second look reveals layers that take on questions of sexuality, spirituality, religion and relationship politics. The exhibition, a mixed media rumination on the concept of matrimony, features 38 works. The motif of the wedding ring, rendered in silver and gold glitter, is dominant, along with peaked arches also done in the unusual medium. Ashraph plays with the placement of these forms, allowing each canvas to make its own statement on: sexuality; connection; and individuality.
In one series, the artist repeats photographs of nude male and female torsos with anthurium lilies, silk screened on white and then embellished in glitter patterns. Another features small, sexually explicit Kama Sutra prints. In an interview, the artist commented on his mixed Hindu and Muslim heritage, saying that the work explores Islam's conservatism against the more "liberal" outlook of Hinduism. The artist, also known as a prominent art framer and alternative Carnival band leader, said the concept "started off based on the tragic love story of Othello," but is "a hundred per cent me."
He said the work was "very personal" and that he strove to "be true to myself" in the pieces, exploring "my own issues, the idea of the ideal relationship, my own conflicts and questions." He asked: "Does the ideal marriage really exist, or is it something in our heads?" The works, on show at the gallery until this evening March 28, also explore issues of alternative relationships and same-sex marriages.