The Prolific Sculptor Passes On, Leaving Behind A Legacy of Courage and Experimental Methods
Born in 1948, Latika Katt was among the few women sculptors who gained international recognition for their work.
Along with her bronze piece ‘Makarsankranti Nahan at Dashaswamedh Ghat’ which earned her the Beijing Art Biennale Award in 2010, Latika Katt is celebrated for her monumental sculptures and busts of notable figures, as well as her skill in encapsulating the essence of nature in her works.
Latika Katt: A Trailblazer in Experimental Indian Sculpture
Katt was among India’s most prolific sculptors, working across various media for over fifty years, utilizing organic form and materials such as terracotta, papier-mâché, stone, and bronze. She passed away on Saturday night, 25th January, in Jaipur at the age of 76.
Latika Katt earned her master’s degree from MS University, Baroda, alongside a research scholarship from the Slade School of Art in London, which provided her with essential momentum as a sculptor. From utilizing cow dung on the Varanasi ghats to working with tree trunks at MSU, Katt was open to experimenting with all sorts of materials.
Deeply influenced by Auguste Rodin, Katt even observed corpses in her quest for artistic expression. Her own Rodin-esque creative method focused on grasping the ‘essence’ that lies beneath the face. Her subjects have been several prominent figures from India, like Ramkinkar Baij and Somnath Hore, author Mulk Raj Anand, and leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru, as well as her friends and family; each sculpture conveys a unique narrative.
Image Courtesy- Dailyphotostream
Remembering a Legacy: Tributes Pour in for the Visionary Sculptor
Numerous admirers of the Artist have expressed their loss over social media, Kanoriacentre on Instagram says “She shared her humour with us, made us laugh, and at times moved us to tears, but above all, she was genuine to the core. She always emphasised the need to do more for artists and remained one of their most passionate advocates”. She leaves behind accolades to her name and works of art that will continue to inspire generations of artists in India
Feature Image Credit- Asia Art Archive in India, Facebook.
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