About Bharti Kher

Born in 1969 in London, Kher studied painting and design at Newcastle and Middlesex Polytechnics. Working with sculpture, photography and painting, Kher explores issues of personal identity, social roles and Indian traditions but also from a broader perspective, 21st century issues around genetics, evolution, technology and ecology.

Kher uses the bindi as a central motif in her work to connect disparate ideas. The bindi transcends its mass-produced diminutiveness and becomes a powerful stylistic and symbolic device, creating visual richness and allowing a multiplicity of meanings. She interweaves elements from her own upbringing in England with symbols from Indian culture.Her work has been exhibited extensively in several international exhibitions, Biennales and Triennales and can be found in many private and public collections including Charles Saatchi & Frank Cohen. She was awarded with French Government Residency in 2004, YFLO Women Achiever of the Year award in 2007 and the ARKEN Art Prize in 2010. At 23, she moved to New Delhi in India, where she lives and works today.