Citra Sasmita is a contemporary Indonesian artist whose work bridges the ancient and the modern, challenging traditional narratives through her bold and transformative art. At first glance, her large-scale embroideries and paintings resemble ancient scrolls, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a fiercely modern feminist perspective. Her art transports viewers to a post-patriarchal world where women are not just subjects but heroes, embodying themes of rebellion, transformation, and rebirth. This vision is vividly presented in her exhibition “Into Eternal Land” at London’s Barbican, where her work stretches across 90 meters, inviting viewers on a journey that both honors and subverts tradition.
Sasmita’s creative process involves reimagining traditional Balinese Kamasan paintings, which historically depicted ancient epics and myths, often dominated by male narratives. She flips these stories by replacing male characters with female ones, creating a new iconography that highlights women’s experiences and challenges patriarchal norms. Her work is deeply personal and political, blending modern ideas with cultural symbols from her upbringing, exploring themes of ritual, spirituality, and identity. By rethinking these narratives, she offers a fresh perspective on tradition, one that is both deeply rooted in Bali’s cultural heritage and unapologetically contemporary.
The traditional Kamasan painting style, originating from a village in east Bali, has been practiced since the 15th century. Historically, men were the primary creators, with women mainly contributing to color choices. Sasmita challenges this gendered division of labor, placing women at the forefront of her art. Her mentorship under Mangku Muriati, a rare female artist known for inscribing her own stories onto Kamasan scrolls, deeply influenced her approach. Sasmita’s work is a testament to the power of female storytelling, reclaiming spaces traditionally dominated by men and creating a new feminist iconography that celebrates womanhood.
Sasmita’s journey as an artist is also a critique of colonialism’s impact on Balinese art. The Dutch occupation in 1908 transformed traditional art into a commodity for tourists, shifting its purpose from communal devotion to individualistic expression. This shift, she believes, eroded the spiritual essence of Balinese art. Her work seeks to reclaim this lost heritage, emphasizing art as a communal practice rather than a commercial one. By bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern contexts, she hopes to revive the spiritual and cultural significance of Balinese art.
In addition to her artistic practice, Sasmita is committed to preserving and promoting Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy. She criticizes the lack of visibility for traditional Balinese artists in contemporary art education and advocates for greater recognition of their contributions. Her work not only challenges gender norms but also highlights the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions in a rapidly globalizing world. By collaborating with traditional artistic communities, she hopes to ensure that these practices continue to thrive.
Ultimately, Citra Sasmita’s art is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of reimagining tradition. Through her bold and deeply personal works, she challenges patriarchal norms, reclaims cultural heritage, and offers a vision of a world where women are not just seen but celebrated as central figures. Her exhibition “Into Eternal Land” is not just a showcase of her art; it is a call to action, urging us to rethink our stories, challenge our assumptions, and honor the beauty and strength of women’s experiences. By bridging the past and the present, Sasmita’s work invites us to imagine a future where tradition and innovation coexist, where women’s voices are heard, and where art continues to be a powerful force for change.
