Princess Pea: Transforming Art into Advocacy

Through the whimsical yet deeply reflective lens of her alter ego, Princess Pea, this Gurugram-based artist confronts pressing societal issues with a blend of satire, empathy, and profound care. Born in Ferozpur in 1980 and holding a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the College of Arts, New Delhi, Princess Pea’s work traverses the intersections of tradition, identity, and societal critique. Her "living toy" persona, with its anime-inspired aesthetic, becomes a tool to explore complex ideas of femininity, self-worth, and the evolving roles of women in Indian society.

Over the past decade, her practice has shifted towards collaborative and intervention-driven projects that engage directly with diverse communities—housewives, entrepreneurs, differently-abled women, and survivors of systemic abuse. These initiatives examine the politics and aesthetics of care, fostering safe spaces that empower women to reclaim their narratives. With a unique ability to merge the fairy-tale-like with the deeply real, Princess Pea invites us to question societal norms while envisioning a more inclusive, empathetic future.

In this interview, Princess Pea discusses her evolving practice, her collaborative work with women and children, and her latest project, Paracosm: Proposals for the Future, recently showcased at Art Mumbai in collaboration with Soho House.

Serenade Team: Your alter ego, Princess Pea, presents a whimsical, almost fairy-tale-like figure that tackles serious societal issues. How did the concept of this character come to life, and how has it evolved in your practice over the years?

Princess Pea: The origin of Princess Pea is deeply rooted in my personal history, one that resonates with many women in India. The inspiration for the character stems from my relationship with my sister. Growing up, we were often compared based on our physical appearances—"She was heavy, I was lean." This led to us being nicknamed “Pumpkin” and “Pea.”

Through Princess Pea, I question gender norms and ideas of womanhood perpetuated by patriarchal traditions that suppress women’s voices and render them powerless. The large head, central to my character, symbolizes the societal burden women carry—whether through beauty standards, societal expectations, or body image policing.

As an artist, I transform these personal struggles into artistic iconography. The goal is to inspire reflection and strength through these symbols. If every woman shares this experience, can we collectively find empowerment in our differences?

ST: Your work often engages with the narratives of women facing societal pressures, including body image and mental health issues. How do you approach these themes in a way that resonates deeply with your audience and the communities you work with?

PP: It’s an ongoing process—intense and emotional. I’m often entrusted with deeply personal stories shared in confidence, many of which the narrators have never spoken about before. While this can be overwhelming, these emotions fuel my work, allowing me to translate their pain and resilience into my art.

ST: How do the aesthetics and politics of care inform your recent projects, and how does your collaborative, time-based approach bring these concepts to life? Could you share an example of a project where this has been particularly impactful?

PP: The concept of care begins at home, rooted in simple acts like listening. My projects focus on women-led initiatives to create safe spaces for marginalized individuals. These initiatives emphasize shared knowledge through daily rituals, mutual respect, and vulnerability.

For example, my project Care with Dignity (2020–21), in collaboration with the Khud Se Pooche team, developed a workshop module to empower women as ambassadors of care in Patna. Together, we co-created a “Symbol of Care with Dignity,” an emblem of collective voices claiming self-worth and dignity.

This work builds on earlier collaborations in Andhra Pradesh and Goa, where I created platforms for housewives, small entrepreneurs, and differently-abled women to share their stories. These efforts addressed systemic bullying and visibility issues while emphasizing empathy and self-worth. The Symbol of Care with Dignity isn’t just a visual—it’s a lasting commitment to fostering knowledge and respect in communities.

ST: The contrast between your “living toy” alter ego and the complex realities you address creates a striking tension. What message do you hope to convey through this juxtaposition of innocence and societal critique?

PP: The evolution of my sculptural headgear reflects my growing awareness of collective knowledge and solidarity. What began as a performance piece has transformed into a tool for dialogue. By passing the headgear to others, I aim to build a network of women who learn from and empower each other. Every feminist journey is unique. For me, advocating for women’s rights has been a lifelong pursuit rooted in my awareness of my own body and its place in society.

ST: Through exhibitions like “Expectations” and “Room for Revolt,” you’ve continually explored the roles of women in urban and domestic spaces. How do you see urbanization influencing women’s identities and challenges in India today?

PP: I recently read a quote by Vandana Shiva: “If there is a future, it will only be led by women.” I deeply resonate with this belief and feel that such a future depends on preserving intergenerational knowledge and fostering community-led initiatives.

ST: After the Art Mumbai display, where Paracosm: Proposals for the Future is featured at the Soho House Lounge, how do you see this collection evolving? What message do you hope viewers take with them once the display concludes?

PP: A paracosm is a mental haven—a place of hope and possibility, where the sky is always blue. It’s a shared space rooted in trust, values, and education, ideally led by women. I hope viewers engage with the ongoing narratives of my work and connect with its women-led themes.

ST: Soho House Mumbai, with its impressive collection of over 200 artworks by Indian and Indian-origin artists, is known for championing global and local art. How does your collaboration with Soho House for Paracosm reflect this commitment to supporting art, especially within the context of Art Mumbai and the Indian art scene?

PP: Working with Soho House has been a pleasure. Our association began seven years ago when they approached me to create works for Soho House Mumbai. This collaboration has grown over time, culminating in my being a runner-up for the 2020 Soho House Art Prize.

Following that recognition, we launched limited-edition prints like “Kali,” which received an excellent response. This year, I was invited to showcase Paracosm at the Soho Lounge for Art Mumbai. I’m also thrilled to announce the release of another print, “Kali 2.” Soho House’s commitment to supporting Indian art aligns perfectly with my practice of creating meaningful, community-driven art.