Multidisciplinary artist Hemali Bhuta’s interest in working responsively to a particular place is explored through her focus on objects and materiality. Usually drawing on her personal experiences, memories and philosophical understanding, her works aim to articulate issues of belonging, security, individuality and change. In this exhibition, Bhuta takes the Art Jameel Collection work Fold as a focal point to explore the notion of in-between, transitory spaces. Her site-specific sculptural works are comprised of organic and natural materials such as rubber, cotton, spices, twigs, gold and natural dyes. Some works lie on the floor, while others embrace and even destabilise the space, creating a tension between the works, material and space they inhabit.

Drawn largely from the Art Jameel Collection, Artist’s Rooms is a series of solo exhibitions by influential, innovative artists, with particular focus on practitioners from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. These capsule shows are collaborative and curated in dialogue with the artist. Spring 2019 features rooms by Seher Shah and Randhir Singh, Hemali Bhuta, Farah Al Qasimi and Chiharu Shiota in galleries 1, 2, 3 and 10. 

Hemali Bhuta (b.1978) lives and works in Mumbai, India

Hemali Bhuta’s work deals with the effect of time on spaces, through which she tries to transform the impression and identity of a space into a tangible experience. She has diplomas from the L.S. Raheja School of Art, Mumbai, and from the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University Baroda, and (in interior design) from Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai. Her most recent solo show was at the Centre international d’art et du paysage de l’ile de Vassiviere (CIAP), France (2018). Group shows include the Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa (2018); October Salon: Belgrade Biennale (2018); Singapore Biennale (2016); Dhaka Art Summit (2014); Yorkshire Sculpture Park (2012); Frieze London Sculpture Park (2012); Parasol Unit, London (2012); ARKEN Museum for Moderne Kunst, Denmark (2012); 9th Shanghai Biennale (2012);and Darat Al Funun, Jordan (2013). She was shortlisted for the Rolex Protegee Award (2010).

Artist’s Rooms: Hemali Bhuta is curated by Murtaza Vali.