Citra Sasmita, Ode to the Sun, 2020

A rare exception in the otherwise male dominated world of Balinese art, Citra Sasmita challenges the patriarchal nature of Indonesian society. Her artwork unequivocally rejects the ubiquitous aesthetic depiction of Balinese women as passive decorative elements that exist primarily for the gratification of the tourist gaze. Consummately utilizing traditional elements that have been selected from the ancient but vibrant cultural legacy of Bali, Sasmita endows her female figures with a powerful agency. The artwork of Sasmita is motivated on a fundamental level by the need to forge a connection with her past. This sentiment is clearly manifested in her various artworks that incorporate narratives from classical Balinese literature, and elements of traditional Balinese aesthetic conventions. Nevertheless. Sasmita departs from the canon of conventional Balinese art by producing artwork that often castigates the pervasive sexual and social inequality that is so deeply ingrained in Balinese society. She wishes to trace marginalized narratives of women in particular, who once played a key role in Balinese societies and held influential positions.

Turmeric is traditionally used for rituals and its bright yellow colour symbolizes the sun, hence giving the exhibition its title. The artist used the spice to write text on the floor as part of her work. The text is taken from the Kakawin, an ancient Balinese narrative poetry. The scents and text are accompanied by brightly painted traditional Kamasan canvases suspended in a large circular structure.

Citra Sasmita: Ode to the Sun

Citra Sasmita: Ode to the Sun

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Citra Sasmita

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Citra Sasmita