For more information about these pieces, please contact the artist.

Woman and the Girl Licking Cake Batter

Acrylic on canvas

18 x 24

Vaidehi Kinkhabwala

My portrait series, deeply rooted in the nuanced experiences of women living in New York City, resonates powerfully with "Here, Now, Always: Everybody’s Neighborhood." Just as the Lower East Side stands as a living archive of memory, resilience,change and inclusivity my work spotlights individuals who navigate societal landscapes often fraught with prejudice based on their profession, gender, or skin color. These are my personal heroes, their daily lives offering a vital vantage point on the contested histories and vibrant cultural tapestry of our shared urban existence.

Through a familiar modern visual language, I explore the bicultural experiences, gender disparities, and struggles inherent in transitioning to a new life in America. While many of these women are New Yorkers, some are residents of the Lower East Side, a deliberate inclusion that challenges geographical boundaries and highlights the universal yet intensely personal nature of their journeys. My portraits assert that belonging isn't merely about a specific block or borough, but about recognizing the profound strength and diverse stories of all who contribute to the city’s soul, regardless of their address.

Ultimately, this series reflects the exhibition's call to celebrate the people and places that shape our shared urban lives. By honoring these women who fight to carve their own paths, my work underscores that every block holds a story, and everyone belongs—here, now, and always.