Imagine her body in a drain — a dead landscape, she lay there lifeless like a fish-heartbreaking scene. Her every art piece narrated a story to the viewers and had a reflection of one’s phobias and shortcomings. Known for her use of photography and sculptural installations to explore notions of personal identity, dislocation, nostalgia and gender, she grew rapidly in the Indian art scene after a slow beginning. She responded stating, ‘Whatever is happening is very unfortunate. I remember calling her after hearing about her fall out with Chintan (her husband). I have collaborated with her for numerous projects and most of the times it was about how she could do better in her work. The meticulous cutting and eye-for-detailing made her stand out among her contemporaries. But at the same time, she was very easy to work with. I was shocked to hear the news of her dismissal as Chintan and I were together on Friday night attending dinner party at a common friend’s place. On personal level, I knew both Chintan and Hema very well. By 2012, sadness suffering and trauma wove into her works and we saw a tender soul full of angst. — Manisha Gera Baswani, artist She gave unconditional love to those she surrounded herself with.

The art world is deeply saddened today, but even more so because of the nature of her dismissal. In the same year, she had her first international solo, plastic spoons wholesale The Nymph and the Adult". She was an artist of great sensitivity and integrity. Her patience could be seen in the way she played with small objects in her work. I will miss her and so will all those with whom she shared her beautiful, brief journey. Her soft presence will be felt through her powerful works. She firmly established herself among the new generation of Indian contemporary artists with ease. One of her work is being showcased there through our gallery. I didn’t know her personally, but I was intrigued by the titles of her shows. They never let their personal differences seep into our friendship. Everything she created was a commentary born out of her experiences and observations in Mumbai. Even at times when she was low, she would be like a soft breeze soothing those around her. I just pray to god to give enough strength to his family. She was gentle, loving and full of warmth. The sadness of her death is in the futility of jealousy. —Anu Bajaj, Art PositiveHema was a friend I met rarely but like old school friends, we would start as if there had been no hiatus. —G R Iranna, artistHema’s works often were representations of her life, whether her shifting to Mumbai from Vadodara or her emotional turmoils. She wasn’t confused about her work, and was sure about what she wanted to do and was never bothered about the market. Bringing along my small child for the first time to an art camp had made me nervous. Being in different cities, we didn’t meet often. Like a Shakespearean tragedy! — Uma Nair, curatorThe Indian art fraternity has lost a great artist who always presented an alternative perspective through her work in this polarised art community