Bharti Kher’s Latest Installation Wraps Hayward Gallery in Artistic Symbolism
Renowned contemporary artist Bharti Kher has taken her fascination with bindis to an extraordinary scale in her latest installation at London’s Hayward Gallery. The project, which sees the exterior of the gallery adorned with supersized bindis, is a bold and visually striking transformation of the space. Known for exploring themes of identity, culture, and transformation in her work, Kher’s use of the bindi—a symbol traditionally worn by South Asian women—takes on a new dimension in this grand-scale project. The installation invites viewers to consider the interplay between cultural symbols and the urban landscape.
The Bindi as a Symbol of Power and Identity
In Bharti Kher’s artistic practice, the bindi has been a recurring motif, often used to explore notions of identity, gender, and cultural belonging. In South Asian culture, the bindi traditionally symbolizes femininity, spirituality, and protection. By enlarging the scale of the bindi and using it to wrap the Hayward Gallery, Kher transforms this cultural symbol into a statement about power, visibility, and identity. The installation encourages viewers to think about how such symbols are interpreted in contemporary, globalized contexts, challenging preconceived notions about tradition and modernity.
A Spectacle of Scale and Color
The visual impact of Kher’s supersized bindis wrapping the Hayward Gallery cannot be overstated. The bindis, which are crafted from a variety of materials and painted in vivid colors, create a mesmerizing spectacle against the concrete backdrop of the gallery. The installation uses the architectural form of the Hayward Gallery to emphasize the contrast between the rigid, geometric lines of the building and the organic, circular shapes of the bindis. This interplay between structure and decoration speaks to Kher’s ability to engage viewers not only with the scale of her work but also with its intricate details.
How the Hayward Gallery Became a Canvas for Cultural Expression
The Hayward Gallery, known for showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art, becomes a fitting canvas for Bharti Kher’s exploration of cultural expression. By wrapping the building in supersized bindis, Kher transforms the gallery from a traditional exhibition space into an artwork itself. This blurring of boundaries between art and architecture encourages visitors to engage with the gallery in new ways, as they are invited to contemplate the intersection of art, culture, and public space. Kher’s decision to place the bindis on the exterior of the building symbolizes the idea of culture being “on the surface” and exposed for public reflection.
Themes of Feminism and Tradition
As with much of Bharti Kher’s work, the supersized bindis at the Hayward Gallery are rich with themes of feminism and cultural tradition. The bindi, worn on the forehead by many South Asian women, is often viewed as a symbol of marital status and spirituality. However, in Kher’s interpretation, the bindi becomes a symbol of defiance, transformation, and empowerment. The sheer scale of the installation subverts traditional notions of the bindi, giving it a monumental presence that dominates the gallery’s exterior, challenging viewers to rethink its significance in contemporary society.
The Artist’s Creative Process
In creating this installation, Bharti Kher employed a team of artisans to construct and assemble the supersized bindis. Each bindi is crafted with intricate detail, using materials such as resin, glass, and paint to achieve a glossy, reflective finish. The labor-intensive process of creating the bindis reflects Kher’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of scale and form. The installation process itself was a performance of sorts, with the public witnessing the gradual transformation of the Hayward Gallery over the course of several days.
Public Reaction and Critical Acclaim
Since its unveiling, Bharti Kher’s installation at the Hayward Gallery has garnered widespread attention and acclaim from both critics and the public. Visitors are captivated by the boldness of the project, with many praising Kher’s ability to merge cultural symbolism with contemporary artistic practices. The installation has also sparked discussions about the role of public art in engaging with social and cultural themes, with many viewers appreciating the way Kher’s work invites reflection on identity, feminism, and tradition.
A Thought-Provoking Addition to London’s Art Scene
The installation at the Hayward Gallery adds to Bharti Kher’s growing body of work that explores the complexities of global identity and cultural symbols. As one of the leading voices in contemporary art, Kher continues to push the boundaries of what art can be and how it interacts with public space. Her decision to use the bindi, a symbol of cultural specificity, in such a monumental way encourages viewers to think deeply about how symbols evolve and take on new meanings in different contexts.
