Svain

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Mixed media and Indian human hair. 2024

Svain translates in many ways - visually as ‘swan’ in the form that we see here, but also as agricultural labourer - Rana-Allen’s familial heritage is of the Jat caste, the farmers from the Punjab. Made from woven saris, chunnis and turbans. Svain references long hair plaiting/braids often the style worn by Sikh women, clean long hair, maintained with coconut oil signifying the importance of hygiene and respect. As opposed to the association of unkempt hair equating to unruly behaviour verging on madness. References to rope, alongside blood and power.