Aishwarya Arumbakkam

Items, 2013

An item number is a music-and-dance spectacle that occupies a prominent space in commercial Indian cinema. Although it might not have any direct connection to the narrative, an item number introduces a sexually charged female dancer who performs to provocate the male characters in the film. The bold item girl is often a contrast to the virginal female protagonist. The men onscreen desire her, and consider her flamboyance to be a signal of a corrupted sense of morality, which they can exploit.

The terminology used to describe these women, ‘items’, offers an insight into the nature of creating female stereotypes of women who fit a popular ideal of beauty, and who are accepting of their sexuality. These reel-life terms often permeate into everyday realities. Colloquially, ‘item’ is a term used to refer to women who are considered sexually appealing.

Items is a series of portraits of women wearing item girl costumes, but in a defiant way, challenging the viewer to see them as empowered, three-dimensional characters. They represent a more inclusive sexuality, femininity and ideal of what is desirable. The women in these portraits take back the term items and make it their own.

http://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/the-dynamics-of-power