Ridhima Bhatia

About

Ridhima Bhatia, born in 1998 in Delhi, is an Indian artist who currently lives and works in London.

Over the past 10 years, she has participated in more than 35 international photography competitions, winning over 30 of them. Her portfolio ranges from documentation of dance recitals and theatrical productions to creating  pamphlets for furniture companies. She also led her college’s photography group for over two years, showcasing two group exhibitions citywide.

In Ridhima’s works, she documents humans and their connection to various aspects of life. Portraiture, in particular, is a central focus of her current work. You will see how she showcases the relationship between the rising and setting sun, and the role of water in all of this. The vibrant green hues of sunlight that dance joyfully on figures, the inquisitive tree branches peeking through a misty cloud, and the bold pink sky overhead have all inspired and shaped her as an artist.Through her photography, she aims to create a world different from the one we witness. As you explore her lens, you will notice how she brings out the raw, intricate details of the most mundane subjects. Within the frame of her camera, an alternate reality exists that submerges emotions and surrealism.

Daily Saundrya: Daily Beautification
(Most recent work, India 2024)

From the moment she became aware of the world, Ridhima was taught to strive for an external beauty, a beauty that pleases the eye. This quest for prettiness has overshadowed the importance of inner beauty and personal growth. Her upbringing was filled with rituals, practices, and procedures designed to enhance physical attractiveness. These routines are so ingrained in her that she performs them instinctively, despite her conscious rejection of their significance.

Through the exhibition, Ridhima shared her journey of navigating these deeply rooted customs. She invited the audience to explore the intricate process of beautification that has shaped her identity. It reflected societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of an ideal that often feels unattainable. Her hope was to spark a conversation about the true essence of beauty and the impact of these practices on our sense of self.