Amita Bhatt
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Sacred/Profane–My Belief or Death Like being and nothingness or life and death or love and indifference, they help us describe and understand "the other." Most of us see the world as a duality–we are one thing or another, good or bad, intelligent or dull. But not Amita Bhatt. Her artistry moves into a new realm–of Tantrism, mysticism, religion, control–symbolizing different syncretic metaphysics altogether, one empowering and liberating and beautiful as it is also intimidating and awesome. Bhatt's work is highly pertinent in our war-ravaged times where brutality has become the order of the day. Her violent experiences in Mumbai during the Babri Masjid riots of 1992 formed the background of what later became her quest of global research examining the politics of power. From these experiences arose a singular effort to lay bare the essential aspects of man’s spirituality. Bhatt knows that the sacred is profane and that the profane can be sumptuous. In her work, Sacred and Profane become metaphors for power. Those who rule want to own the "sacred" to defeat the "profane," so we have holy wars, crusades, inquisitions, jihad, Ram Yatras instead of cultural harmony or understanding. After long years of researching and contemplating global histories Bhatt concludes that "in the end it is all about the politics of power." With every geography that implodes and explodes with every cultural history that might be written and re-written, there exists the duality of the sacred and the other that is profane on all sides. The strong do as they wish and the weak submit as they must. The artist’s furious use of Tantric symbiology combined with simplicity of line and vibrant fields of flat color create a stage of intense drama and explosive sensuality. Her underlying thread of mythical energies and deep desire to understand the complexities of power play makes this artist's work demanding of immediate attention. Bhatt's work makes us transcend our loins and spirits to look for a new, frightening and beautiful world, to remember the evil rather than accept the amnesia that allows those in power to keep their control over us. Obviously, her work is sacred . . . or is it profane? The above essay was written by Robert Buzzanco, Professor of History, University of Houston. "Sacred/Profane-My Belief or Death" is a body of work created by Amita Bhatt to discuss issues of power mongering. The above essay was written by Professor Buzzanco for the show's catalogue. Bhatt currently lives and works in Houston, Texas and has exhibited her works around the world. Her recent shows in Houston include "Red Fall" at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art as well as "Lovers and Assassins" at Redbud Gallery. Bhatt was also a recent recipient of the Artadia Award. Ami6014@aol.com www.AmitaBhatt.com |
