A Revolutionary Artistic Movement: Citra Sasmita’s Bold Reinterpretation of Bali’s Cultural Legacy
Bali—an island known globally for its exotic beauty and tranquil landscapes—has long been a playground for tourists, offering a living museum of traditional art and culture. But for Citra Sasmita, a groundbreaking contemporary artist from Bali, this tourist-driven commodification of art is not a celebration, but a betrayal of the island’s true artistic spirit. Sasmita’s work is a passionate rebellion against the colonial and patriarchal forces that have long shaped both Bali’s past and its artistic identity.
Aiming to bring female figures to the forefront of her island’s ancient artistic practices, Sasmita’s artworks delve deep into the transformative power of feminism, spirituality, and resistance. The Bali she envisions is not a mere backdrop for foreign fantasies; it is a place where its rich, pre-colonial traditions can be rediscovered and reinvigorated through her intense, evocative installations.
The Journey from Physics Teacher to Artistic Rebel
As a young woman, Sasmita was drawn to the sciences and even planned to become a physics teacher. But deep within, she felt a stronger pull—one that was both personal and deeply rooted in the historical fabric of Bali. She wanted to understand why she, as a woman in a patriarchal society, had been relegated to the margins of her island’s ancient traditions.
This drive led Sasmita to study the intricate art forms of Bali’s past, particularly the Kamasan paintings, a traditional form of scroll painting created by male artisans. These paintings, rich in mythological storytelling, have long been dominated by male protagonists—gods, rulers, and heroes. Sasmita, however, began to challenge this male-dominated narrative, introducing the feminine in ways that had never been seen before in these traditional forms.
A Fierce Reclamation of Feminine Power
Sasmita’s latest solo exhibition, Into Eternal Land, is a visual meditation on the eternal struggle against colonial impositions and the patriarchy. Displayed at the Barbican’s Curve gallery in London, her work features dynamic depictions of female figures—figures that are divine, defiant, and unapologetically powerful. Gone are the heroic, male figures of the past; in their place are female warriors, goddesses, and fierce spirits, challenging the narratives of old.
In her most recent works, Sasmita explores the ancient stories of Hindu goddesses and historical female figures, including Draupadi, the central character from the Mahabharata, and the 19th-century warrior-poet queen, Dewa Agung Istri Kanya. These figures are depicted in intense and evocative forms—wombs on fire, wings sprouting from their backs, and bodies transformed by nature. For Sasmita, these figures are more than just symbols of resistance; they are an embodiment of the divine feminine energy that has always existed in her culture but has long been overlooked.
Art for the Senses: A Full Immersive Experience
Incorporating elements beyond visual representation, Sasmita’s works are multisensory experiences. At the Barbican, her 32-meter suspended scroll painting, which narrates the circle of life and the journey to the afterlife, is complemented by an ambient electronic soundscape. The collaboration with composer Agha Praditya Yogaswara will provide a sonic journey that echoes the rhythm and tempo of Balinese life, turning the gallery into a temple of sorts—an immersive, meditative space where visitors can explore both the visual and auditory dimensions of Sasmita’s narrative.
A Dedication to Bali’s Forgotten Female Artists
Central to Sasmita’s practice is the rediscovery of matrilineal craft practices—particularly in embroidery and textile art. These traditions, often practiced by the senior women artists of Bali, have largely been erased from history. Working with artisans like Jero Mangku Istri Rini, a master of the cross-stitch technique, Sasmita is preserving these ancient practices while revitalizing them with contemporary perspectives.
Sasmita’s mother, who passed away in 2016, also plays a pivotal role in her work. Her life and struggles with societal expectations inspire Sasmita’s ongoing dedication to creating art that uplifts and honors women. “I gave her a happy ending, contrary to her experience in life,” Sasmita says. “My artwork is an ode to her, and a prayer for her journey.”
A New Beginning for Balinese Art
As Sasmita prepares for a 10-day silent retreat in the mountains of Bali, she reflects on the transformative journey she’s undertaken as an artist. With her first major UK solo exhibition set to open at the Barbican, this is only the beginning for Sasmita. As she continues to blend ancient techniques with modern themes, her work is not just an exploration of art, but a movement—a call to reclaim Bali’s cultural identity and to center women in the narrative of both art and society.
Into Eternal Land will be on display from January 30 to April 21 at the Barbican in London.
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