forbes.com
Balinese Artist Reclaims Cultural Narratives with Feminist Perspective
Balinese artist Citra Sasmita's solo exhibition, "Into Eternal Land," at London's Barbican, showcases her feminist reimagining of Balinese art, reviving 15th-century Kamasan scroll painting with powerful female figures and incorporating collaborative craft traditions.
- How does Sasmita's artistic process reflect her Balinese cultural background?
- Sasmita's art reclaims Balinese cultural narratives, particularly those of women, often overlooked in traditional depictions. By intertwining mythology, resistance, and ritual, she creates works that confront colonial legacies and patriarchal norms, offering a profound meditation on identity, history, and the sacred feminine.
- What is the central theme of Citra Sasmita's art, and what is its global significance?
- Citra Sasmita, a self-taught Balinese artist, challenges the commodified image of Balinese art by reviving 15th-century Kamasan scroll painting and incorporating feminist perspectives. Her work, currently exhibited at the Barbican and other venues, features powerful depictions of female figures and integrates collaborative craft traditions.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of Sasmita's work on the understanding and preservation of Balinese art and culture?
- Sasmita's innovative approach to Kamasan painting and her incorporation of collaborative craft traditions ensures the survival of these art forms while simultaneously challenging established artistic and societal norms. Her work paves the way for future artists to engage with their heritage in a critically conscious and meaningful way, prompting deeper societal dialogue.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive, celebrating Sasmita's achievements and artistic vision. While this is appropriate given the interview format, it might unintentionally overshadow potential challenges or limitations in her work or the broader context of Balinese art. The emphasis on her success in gaining representation at major institutions could be interpreted as prioritizing institutional validation over other aspects of her artistic practice.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, using terms like "boldly reclaims," "powerful depictions," and "profound meditation." While this reflects the enthusiastic tone of the interview, it could be seen as potentially lacking complete objectivity. More neutral language could be used to describe her work, focusing on specific artistic choices rather than solely on their impact.
Bias by Omission
The provided text focuses heavily on Citra Sasmita's artistic journey and perspective, potentially omitting other relevant viewpoints on Balinese art or feminist interpretations of Balinese mythology. There is no mention of potential critiques of her work or alternative perspectives on the issues she addresses. This omission could limit the reader's understanding of the broader context of her art.
Sustainable Development Goals
Citra Sasmita's art directly challenges patriarchal norms and the underrepresentation of women in Balinese art, reclaiming narratives and celebrating the feminine. Her work actively promotes gender equality by reviving traditional art forms, previously dominated by men, and centering women in her depictions.