This illustration was another piece part of my exhibition series “Intimate Moments of Girlhood,” presented at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2025, which explores private, unfiltered expressions of femininity.

 

This illustration is inspired by a story shared by one of my mother’s closest friends — a woman who, during her rukhsati (wedding departure) ceremony, ran away and hid. When I asked where she went, she replied, “Nowhere — I just went to my bridal room, smoked a cigarette, and drank a glass of wine.”

 

This quiet act of rebellion became the heart of the piece — a moment where a woman chose herself over expectation, breaking the cycle of arranged marriages and reclaiming her autonomy. The composition captures her unapologetic poise and defiance, surrounded by the intimate stillness of self-realization.

 

The palette of pinks and purples reflects mature femininity and emotional depth — tones that convey both sensuality and strength. Through this work, I aimed to celebrate women who carve their own paths, even in the most traditional spaces.

 

Vector Illustration made on Adobe Illustrator – Printed on Fine Art Giclée Print, Limited Edition 2/2 – 16 x 16 in, 2024