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In this design I aimed to portray references to spirituality as they are experienced by
some sex workers.
The design, in keeping with the preceding artworks, acts as a form of revelation. We see
this garment first as one thing, but upon closer inspection something else is revealed.
The mini dress gives the impression of a trade garment with a long centre front zip that
operates from between the legs to the top and ends with an unfastening of the whole
garment above the breast. The formless and overlapped scraps of fabric represent the
mixed factors drawn from the outer world of the Indian sex workers. The fabric
composed of off cuts from the manipulation, entrapment, and belonging designs, is
stitched together and dyed with black textile ink to create a soiled and darkened surface.
The frayed edges of fabrics signify the insecure and perpetually damaging life women
face in this trade
The artwork also reveals the sacred nature of the sex worker. Beneath the dull exterior,
there is a beautiful and untouched layer that is the spiritual relationship with something
higher than the men and women who exploit her. Once the outer layer is unzipped, the
layer of Bhagwa 55 silk fabric is revealed.
This layer of fabric is hidden from view when we see the worker in the lal batti, but it
unfurls and can be draped around the body. With this action completed, a subtle image
of the Goddess Durga resides in the centre of the chest of the wearer. This is the place
where the soul lives. The image of the Goddess Durga signifies belief and strength in
spiritual rites and rituals, and from these the powers of the sex workers are drawn.
When worn, this garment is augmented with a string of red beads tied around the neck.
This represents the spiritual initiation these women have as devdasis. Although these
beads are worn at the initiation ceremony, they always remain part of the initiate’s life.
Devotees don’t take them off while they operate in the lal batti. The beads are their
strength and belief in the Goddess and her spiritual powers.
55 Bhagwa is a Hindi word for the colour saffron. It is the colour used by Indian religious and spiritual
saints and sages. It signifies liberation and freedom from the bondage of karma.
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