ROXANNE'S ROOM

ROXANNE'S ROOM 2014 by Roopa Dudley (Sold!)

Red has been my favorite color for over 40 years so when an opportunity showed up in October 2014 to create something with color RED for the theme RED in ArtAscent Art & Literature Magazine (Online and Inprint) -- I obviously did not hesitate to participate. 

I decided to pour everything I have ever known liked and encountered with color Red. I thought of the books, movies, songs, poems and fruit whatever 'popped' into my head and composed this painting. It was really fun in a way because of the literary aspects as well as exposing all the things that have shaped me into who I am - as an artist, as a woman and as a nerd. Obviously the song 'Roxanne' by The Police (Sting) was playing like a broken record till I completed the painting along with the newer version from Moulin Rouge movie 'El Tango De Roxanne' was actually what got my heart pumping. Have you heard it? It is unbelievably passionate! 

What is noteworthy here is the country where I am coming from (born and raised that is) - Pakistan (Indian Parents), innocent girls who get rapped by strangers or their fathers or brothers or cousins etc are usually killed by their family members for bringing dishonor and shame. Some even get hanged from the Mango trees (2 teenage girls last year). So it is awe inspiring for me to see a man -- a good man with a a gentle disposition falling in love with a harlot and not only accepting her despite her checkered past but loving her in a manner that most women can only dream about. 

The magazine ArtAscent finally came out in December 2014 and I was awarded a 'Distinguished Artist Award' (below). The painting was sold to Lynette Nickle of OR during Nibblefest Art Contest (above) and I was one of the two other artists who made it to 3rd place! Now that is what I call 'Provenance'.