A bronze statue of a seated figure, deep in thought, is positioned on a square pedestal amidst lush greenery. The surrounding plants include various shrubs and trees, creating a serene garden atmosphere.

Huma Bhabha: The Orientalist

Art Outdoors

Huma Bhabha: The Orientalist

The sculptures in the Formal Garden explore ideas of transformation, the body, mythology, and the impact of conflict and violence. Each artist explores these themes in their own way, creating unsettling and ambiguous hybrid figures. 

The Orientalist features an imagined historical figure sitting upon a throne. Despite this position of power, its skeletal form and exposed innards convey a sense of fragility. The artist made the sculpture using clay, chicken wire, foam and found objects before it was cast in bronze. 

Huma Bhabha (b. 1962) is interested in themes of war, colonialism, displacement and memories of place. Her works refer to ancient artefacts and religious icons. They also draw inspiration from television, sci-fi, horror films and novels. These contrasting ideas result in works that seem both familiar and alien.

Courtesy of Tia Collection.

  • A weathered sculpture of a seated figure with a skeletal face, made from various materials including wood and wire mesh. The figure has a textured surface and is positioned against a blue sky with greenery in the background.
  • A weathered metal sculpture of a seated figure, featuring a textured surface and a skeletal appearance. The figure has a mesh-like head and is positioned against a backdrop of greenery and a blue sky, conveying a sense of contemplation.
  • A bronze statue of a seated figure, deep in thought, is positioned on a square pedestal amidst lush greenery. The surrounding plants include various shrubs and trees, creating a serene garden atmosphere.

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