Self-Portrait 1970

Here we see Jyoti Bhatt's self-portrait, an etching where intricate lines create a tapestry of symbolic forms and figures. The composition is symmetrical, drawing us into a world that feels both familiar and dreamlike. Bhatt uses symmetry to explore the duality of self. The mirroring of figures and forms, combined with a meticulous attention to detail, creates a dense visual field ripe for interpretation. The hybrid creatures, part animal and part human, suggest a negotiation between instinct and intellect, challenging the boundaries of identity. Look how Bhatt destabilizes traditional portraiture with the introduction of mythical elements drawn from Indian folklore and his personal iconography. This work functions as a semiotic system, where each element—the birds, the flower, the figures—acts as a sign. The singular use of colour in the flower's core acts as a focal point. The etching's strength lies in its intricate detail and the way it prompts viewers to question the established meanings of representation.