Chicago’s South Asia Institute exhibition marries the art, poetry of South Asian women

Two works featured in “Testimonies on Paper” are (from left) “Maligned Monsters I,” created by Shahzhia Sikander in 2001, and “The darkening planet drinks the sun...where are the islands of delight...” made in 2014 by artist Laila Rahman. The exhibition at the South Asia Institute runs until June. (South Asia Institute, Indira Khera / WBEZ)

Bani Abidi’s visual piece “Flailing Barriers” is made up of roadblocks — the kind you would see blocking a street or train tracks.

Captured in vibrant red and yellow against a white background, each barrier gives a distinct impression of movement.