Contemporary Art Meets Feminine Empowerment: Citra Sasmita’s "Into Eternal Land" Exhibition at the Barbican
LONDON — In a stunning showcase of artistry and cultural commentary, contemporary Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita is captivating audiences with her latest exhibition, "Into Eternal Land," now showing at the Barbican Centre. From a distance, Sasmita’s intricate embroideries and expansive paintings may evoke visions of ancient relics, reminiscent of time-honored scrolls. Yet, upon closer inspection, viewers are met with a powerful and modern interpretation of femininity that challenges traditional narratives and celebrates the strength of women.
Sasmita’s artistic masterpieces are deeply rooted in Balinese culture, yet they boldly reinterpret the legacies of inherited myths. By often featuring serene, severed heads of female warriors that transform into blossoming trees or soaring birds, her art becomes a vibrant dialogue about women’s rebellion, transformation, and rebirth. In this post-patriarchal world she imagines, women are not mere characters within myths; they are the heroes of their own stories.
Divided into a prologue, three acts, and an epilogue, Sasmita’s exhibition takes advantage of the Barbican’s impressive Curve gallery, stretching 90 meters (295 feet) and guiding attendees through a narrative that both respects and critiques traditions. This blend of heritage and modernity reflects an ongoing quest for identity, akin to the scriptural notion that Christ came to fulfill and transform the law rather than abolish it (Matthew 5:17).
"I was really interested in exploring the root of patriarchal culture in Bali," Sasmita noted during the exhibition’s opening. Her art confronts the narratives of past literature—especially those where women have been relegated to secondary roles—through a fresh and assertive lens. Lotte Johnson, the exhibition’s curator, emphasized how these new interpretations replace domination with visceral experiences shared between women, echoing the Biblical principle that women are to be honored and valued within community life.
Sasmita’s works serve as a reclamation of Balinese art history, recognizing the historical significance and contributions of women, who have often been overlooked in artistic endeavors. Dr. Siobhan Campbell, an expert in Indonesian art, highlighted how female artists have traditionally faced prejudices that minimized their roles in these cooperative practices. By redefining these narratives, Sasmita elevates women’s experiences, mirroring Jesus’ revolutionary teachings that invited those marginalized in society to find a place at the table.
As she intricately weaves modern ideas with the age-old symbols of her Bali upbringing, Sasmita not only crafts a rich tapestry of cultural dialogue but also encourages an invitation to reflect on the balance of honoring the past while embracing the present. In aligning her artwork with themes of transformation, she embodies the heart of 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ, transcending old boundaries and expectations.
With "Into Eternal Land," Sasmita calls upon viewers to reconsider the narratives centering on women’s experiences, invoking a dialogue about identity and power. As you engage with her striking exhibition, consider how your own life reflects the principles of growth, honor, and renewal mirrored in her work.
In a world that often seems to pigeonhole individuals into predefined roles, Sasmita’s compelling narratives serve as a reminder that we are all invited to reclaim our stories and to express our identities—reflecting the freedom and creativity found in Christ. Ultimately, her journey is an encouragement to seek balance, nurture our narratives, and lift one another up in the process. Let this be an inspiration to not only acknowledge the past but also to courageously create a future that champions every voice, particularly those that have long been silenced.
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