An exhibition at Saskia Fernando Gallery opened on a very intriguing note with a title borrowed from American artist Agnes Martin, renowned for her abstract art, her quintessentially famous series titled With My Back To the World (c. 1997). Its title encapsulated Martin's worldview—that art sits outside of the cares and corruption of the world—and her hermetic lifestyle. Endorsing this thought as well as on the occasion of International Women’s Day, curatorial duo Mariyam Begum and Ashini Nanayakkara curated an exhibition for the women, by the women artists, and of the women, putting together 12 strong contemporary artists raising female voices. Their works asked the viewers to observe, feel and respond to the subtleties in art making. "The exhibition title is a nod to the defiant attitude, assertiveness and grace with which Martin, as well as many female artists before and after her, pursued their interests and passion, and continue to do," said Begum.
