Hema Upadhyay’s work speaks strongly of the metropolis of Mumbai – the issues such as migrations, dislocation, multi-cultural aspects of the city are very much part of her work.  Her recent work conjures up an image of a world that exists literally below the surface, is mysterious, invisible and carries intimations about secrets and lies, about romance and violence. Hema brings forth her own artistic resolutions by re positioning the self-portrait in a larger social, cultural milieu. Hema’s works in gouache, acrylic, graphite and photographs on paper continue her creative engagement with the hopes and exigencies of urban living.