Bharti Kher, Sculptor
For British-born artist Bharti Kher, the ubiquitous bindi of Indian women is more than just a dot. It is a celebration of feminism, of pride in gender. Her work with the bindi, her understanding of its symbolism and the colourful ornamentation’s absence from her person are only just a few facets of feminism that the artist is associated with. She is also a befitting representation of Delhi, which she has called home for more than two decades. And she is both global and she is Indian. She revels in her roots. Bharti creates records with her art at auctions, the feminine aspect of a power couple with best-selling artist Subodh Gupta. She hugs. She loves. She listens.
Delhi as an art hub, “is small but sharp when it wants to be and pedestrian when it’s bad”. Born and raised in London, she studied painting at Middlesex Polytechnic and Newcastle Polytechnic. In 1993 she came to India on her second visit for a holiday. She met Subodh at a party, fell in love and Delhi became home. She adds, “Art fairs are about business and honestly, the artist’s careers don’t move only because of fairs and their work.”
Kher is busy getting busier. “I will go to the Kochi Biennale this December. It will be followed by a few projects in Zurich and Delhi and then Asia Society in New York,” she signs off. But Delh is the canvas of her heart. Always will be.
What excites you about working with ropes?
They are poetic and dark
Your Idea of a holiday
Switching my bloody phone off
Free time means
Cooking and eating. Walking and talking with the kids and hugs; lots of them
