Jyoti Bhatt, senior print maker faculty of fine arts, Senior Indian Contemporary artist, Indian painter

Born in 1934 Gujarat, India, Jyoti Bhatt’s early exposure to the vibrant culture and artistic traditions of the region greatly influenced his creative journey. It was during his academic pursuits at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda, that he came in touch with N.S. Bendre, and K.G. Subramanyan. It was at Baroda through the academic encounters that his passion for art was nurtured. It furthered his exploration of traditional Indian art forms and craftsmanship. His years at NewYork opened his mind to the then global impetus for abstraction in Art. 

Bhatt’s art practice, while steeped in tradition, is marked by a fearless experimentation of a range of mediums and techniques, such as printmaking, painting, photography, digital media, etc. His attention to detail and mastery over different mediums allowed him to carve out his vision for art. His work features symbols, motifs, drawn from various rituals and traditions, creating a visual language that speaks to the essence of the Indian Cultural Identity. His photographic documentation of the waning living traditions of India serves as a strong reference source for various sociological and ethnographical research. 

Through intricate symbolism and visual metaphors, his work weaves complex narratives that provide an insight into social issues and human condition. By being a platform for critical reflection and commentary on topics such as gender, poverty, and the complexities of contemporary society. His figurative representations often depict marginalized communities and individuals, shedding light on their struggles, resilience and untold stories. This artistic language of Bhatt, allows his work to resonate with audiences across cultural backgrounds, while retaining a distinct Indian essence. 

Over a career spanning more than 7 decades, his works have seen participation in various international biennales and museum exhibitions, as well as various exhibitions of national repute. His legacy lies not only in his artistic accomplishments but also in his unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of Indian Art Form. For this practice and contribution to the arts he has been a recipient of many awards including the Padma Shri by the Government of India. 

 

M.S. University of Baroda

Dialogues of being : Prophecies, Rituals, and Memories of Everyday life, Gallerie Splash, 

Padma Shri by the Government of India.