Mia Sandhu

Vintage erotica as inspiration? In the hands of Toronto-based multimedia artist Mia Sandhu, those images are potent pieces in her ongoing consideration of what it means to be a sexualized woman.

Creating collage-style works on paper, Sandhu layers the female figure, foliage and East Indian motifs with 1970s colour palettes, to create dynamic artworks that reflect woman’s search for self-love, examining conflicting feels of shame, self-acceptance, sexuality and self-authenticity. In these highly autobiographical works, Sandhu attempts to spotlight the inner conflicts intrinsic to womanhood - regardless of ethnicity or heritage. 
 

AGO: What was the inspiration for this artwork or series?

Sandhu: My intention in this work is to expose and engage with the collective experiences of women surrounding issues of shame, sexuality and self-doubt. I collect vintage erotica and use it as source material because I am inspired by the variety of women I see in these magazines though what I create and present in my work is in direct contrast to the original intention of the source material. I also really enjoy the aesthetic and campiness of 1970s film. In my previous bodies of work, I would reference old family photos - most of which documented the various stages of immigration: old photos starting off in India or Ghana and eventually making their way to Canada. Then there were these amazing photos of my mom and dad together in the 70s. The entire aesthetic of that era is so inspiring and familiar to me because of those photographs. In addition to all that, what is most inspiring is hearing about how people are receiving the work and the personal stories that often accompany such conversations. Knowing that other people are sharing or have shared in so many experiences, understanding that you’re not alone, is imperative for maintaining a sense of humility and compassion for yourself and others. 

Mia Sandhu, Bawdy 34, 2020. Gouache, watercolour, pencil and charcoal on paper. 30 x 22 in. Photo by @lfdocumentation.

AGO: Tell us about a place or a space where you most love making your work?

Sandhu: Pre-Covid, I would love the routine of getting up, grabbing a coffee someplace and slowly making my way to the studio. I share a space, so there’s more consideration around whether or not I stay home or go to the studio. I have been doing both. During quarantine times, I have come to truly enjoy working from home. Not that many of us had a choice! Once you put all the dishes and laundry out of mind, there’s something really nice about sitting down at the kitchen table and committing to a piece or just experimenting. 

AGO: Are you in dialogue with any other artists or creative peers about your practice? If so, how does this dialogue feed your work?

Sandhu: This is something I have missed a lot! In addition to not being able to have visitors at the studio, it’s difficult to speak about work over Zoom or FaceTime because, well, it’s awkward… It’s so much nicer to have someone in your space, make some coffee and chat. That being said, I have been able to discuss the work with some really wonderful people over various online platforms and before the serious lockdown, at the studio too. Mostly they were pertaining to my recent exhibition, Golden Girls at PatelBrown Gallery. Conversations like that are a gift, and I wish they could happen more often. I suppose if we weren’t all at home, they would! Eyes to the future! 

Follow Mia Sandhu @mia.sandhu