Brilliant Ideas Episode #8: Bharti Kher

Her art encompasses painting, sculpture and installation, a range of media that allows Kher to create unpredictable works. Femininity is a central subject in many of her recurring themes, highlighting discrimination and human rights issues faced by women in India who have been marginalized in the name of tradition. Her pieces express outrage and regret regarding the present state of the country where sexual violence and other crimes against women continue to be perpetuated.
<Cloud Walker> and <Something on My Mind> are inquiries into social class systems, and both feature a nude figure in proximity to a sari and pair of heels - objects that symbolize femininity. The nude sculptures present a stark contrast to the oppressive reality of Indian women who are allowed to be outdoors only when they are fully covered in a sari, spotlighting the absurdity of the custom.

Along with sarees, Kher also uses bindis as a material to symbolize femininity. Traditionally worn by married women in India, the decorative dot placed on the forehead represents the third eye of intuition. It also signifies devotion and submission to one’s man. Kher patterns the traditional bindi on both canvas and in installations, creating layers of color and texture based on the simple circular shape. The bindis of her work come together into a completely new form, set apart from their original purpose. The geometric patterns create the illusion of staring into an autostereogram, a stark difference to the monotonous life of the average Indian woman.

In some works, Kher takes conventional found objects and analyzes them within a new, distinct context. A globe, brassware, a wooden horse or wood beams from a temple - all items commonly found in India - are altered ever so slightly and placed within a gallery space, imbuing the objects with new significance. The everyday items are reborn as artworks that embody the cultures and traditions of India.

The artist draws banality into the realm of art, luring audiences to reconsider accepted concepts and values. Her work encompasses a myriad of genres to uncover the awful realities of women hidden behind the rich culture and history of India. She also brings to the forefront the absurdity of such social structures as the caste system, bringing to the table difficult issues and discussions. Beyond a mere visual appeal, her works seek change and social awareness through the exploration of culture and heritage. No single title can capture the breadth and depth of Kher’s body of work. Her insights will make her an artist to watch in the coming years.
■ with ARTINPOST

Bharti Kher is one of India's most prominent contemporary artists who stepped into the international limelight. She works with objects rich with history and heritage, interpreting them anew into unique forms. Born in 1969 in London, she currently lives and works in New Delhi. Featuring elements of India's society and aesthetic heritage, Kher's works span a wide range of topics and themes, stretching the imaginations of the audience with dramatic stories. Unrestricted to genres or material, she approaches tradition and change through diverse means of expression to suggest many different perspectives.
India's symbolic elephant, a sculpture of religious themes, the bindi and sari worn by the women of India are present in her works, to point out the contemporary issues in class, race, gender, and religion that we see in society today. Bharti Kher's works are a special blend of seriousness and humor manifested and created across multiple media, from large-scale sculptures to abstract-patterned paintings that never fail to incite irresistible intrigue. Her works exploring women's identity have particularly drawn the attention of the art community worldwide.