Mother & Child 1961

Jyoti Bhatt created this striking linocut, "Mother & Child," in 1961, presenting us with an image dominated by stark contrasts of black and white. The interplay of these colors, combined with bold lines, shapes, and textures, results in a composition that resonates with raw emotion. The forms of the mother and child are rendered through abstract geometric shapes, challenging conventional notions of representation. This distortion invites us to question fixed meanings and explore new ways of perceiving maternal bonds. Bhatt uses a semiotic system where simplified lines and shapes act as signs, conveying the essence of motherhood rather than a literal depiction. Notice the texture created by the linocut technique, which adds depth and physicality to the image. This artwork, therefore, exists not merely as an aesthetic object, but as a powerful exploration of form, representation, and the cultural codes that shape our understanding.