Ratna Bardhan

Ratna Bardhan is a Print-maker who, following the transformative experience of motherhood, adapted her artistic practice to engraving on acrylic. Initially, her print-making required extensive materials and equipment, necessitating a workspace outside her home. However, the birth of her son led her to prioritize being present for him, which initially posed a challenge to her artistic endeavours. She reimagined her creative process to fit within her domestic space, embracing engraving as her new medium. Ratna’s artistic ideology is deeply rooted in the interplay between memory, identity, and the intimate spaces of daily life. She believes that art serves as a bridge connecting the personal and the universal, where seemingly mundane moments can reveal profound truths about heritage, relationships, and belonging. Her practice reflects a commitment to preserving the narratives of intergenerational bonds and cultural identity, capturing the essence of everyday life through her unique lens. Her son’s experiences sparked recollections of her granny’s house, her mother’s home and the vibrant life of their Punjabi neighbours. These reminiscences, captured through their clothing, cooking, and daily lifestyle are intricately woven into her artwork, creating a rich tapestry of familial and cultural heritage. Her engravings are not merely visual representations but intimate narratives that celebrate the resilience and beauty of the past while engaging with the present. Through her meticulous and meditative artistic practice, Ratna Bardhan explores the power of memory and its role in shaping identity. Her work invites viewers to pause, reflect and reconnect with their histories, making her art both personal and profoundly relatable.

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