Tamil Futures

“I belong to a Tamil Dalit community, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) issues are rarely seen in sci-fi. My art is a way to introduce visuals and highlight issues that the global South are familiar with. It’s about reclaiming our collective history and imagining a more hopeful future.” – Osheen Siva

Tamil Futures
Osheen Siva uses surrealism and science fiction to create decolonised dreamscapes and futuristic paradises that celebrate queer and feminine power. The Tamil Futures series explores Dalit Futurism, featuring characters deeply connected to Siva’s Tamil and Dalit heritage. Infused with ancestral traditions, these characters wear Tamil jewellery reimagined as futuristic armour.

The term Dalit historically refers to people from India’s lowest caste, often treated as ‘untouchables’ or ‘outcasts.’ In Indian stories, villains often come from lower classes. Siva’s work flips this idea, showing her community as psychedelic, space-age heroes. The work also celebrates the strength of the powerful women in Siva’s family. By weaving cultural identity into a futuristic narrative, Siva reclaims and raises the Dalit experience to highlight strength and empowerment.

The result is a striking speculative world that creates space for those who have long been marginalised. Through their vibrant artworks, Siva presents a vision where heritage, identity and strength unite to offer a hopeful vision of the future.

Afrofuturism inspirations
Inspired by Afrofuturism and drawing from writers like Octavia Butler, Osheen Siva imagines a future where boundaries of identity and culture are blurred, allowing for a more inclusive, optimistic world.

The vibrant palette of their work – filled with pastels, strong reds, blues and greens – reflects their deep connection to their hometown of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, which features colourful pastel buildings. Siva’s work combines the iconography of local temples, Indian signwriting, the style of women warriors and their grandmother’s jewels into vibrant sci-fi visuals that represent gender and sexual fluidity.

Siva first started using bold black brushstrokes and including futuristic mutants in their work around 2015. This signalled the beginning of their unique style, which is further influenced by Indian circus posters and comic book artist Jack Kirby.