Keerthana Kunnath
Kozhikode, India
Keerthana Kunnath (b.1995) is a visual artist based between London and India. Engaging with the visual rhetoric of post-colonial Indian mainstream media, she deconstructs and reimagines narratives, thereby challenging societal norms. Her work has been exhibited in India, UK, Netherlands and Germany.
Instagram: @kee_kunnath
Not What You Saw
‘Not What You Saw’ centres on South Indian female bodybuilders who challenge entrenched gender and beauty norms by embracing physical strength, often seen as masculine. Defying patriarchal ideals and the media's stereotypical portrayal of women as objects of desire, they redefine femininity within the cultural context demonstrating that strength and muscularity can coexist with womanhood. By highlighting their resilience, the project advocates for improved support for women in sports, equitable resource allocation, and fostering a conversation on gender parity and inclusivity.