Latitude 28 is proud to present Jyoti Bhatt: Through the line and the lens, a highly anticipated and the largest printmaking retrospective of recent times, presented by Bhavna Kakar and curated by acclaimed artist Rekha Rodwittiya. This landmark exhibition offers a new reading of the enduring influence of Jyoti Bhatt—one of India’s most distinguished printmakers and pedagogues—through an intimate survey of his prolific artistic journey. The exhibition, set to take place from April 12 to April 21, 2025, at Bikaner House, New Delhi, will showcase the entire collection of Jyoti Bhatt from Bhavna Kakar’s distinguished printmaking collection. Featuring a rich array of etchings, lithographs, serigraphs, photographs, and personal writings—including diaries and letters—this retrospective presents an unparalleled insight into Bhatt’s practice and philosophy. His photographic documentation of the Living Traditions of India has developed a deep conversation with his graphic prints over the decades. Our approach dives into the interconnected nature of Bhatt’s multiple practices, positioning them with his pedagogical frameworks.

As an influential figure who has defied any singular definitions seeping into his practice, the iconic artist, printmaker, photographer, and pedagogue Jyoti Bhatt stands as a bridge between modernist and contemporary art in India. During the early post-independence years, when printmaking remained a relatively underexplored medium in India, Bhatt recognized its immense potential. He harnessed its ability to document the fleeting nature of everyday ritualistic art and the evolving vocabulary of popular culture. His mastery of various techniques imbued his prints with a layered visual language, often infused with wit and satire. Beyond printmaking, Bhatt’s extensive photographic documentation of rural artistic traditions, vernacular art forms, and the vibrant academic life of Baroda has contributed significantly to the preservation of India’s visual heritage. His work in this field has led to the development of invaluable archives, earning him global recognition.

His profound engagement with folk symbols and motifs—meticulously recorded in his notebooks—shaped a distinct visual vocabulary that merged local traditions with contemporary sensibilities. With a career spanning over six decades, Bhatt has remained dedicated to pedagogy, championing printmaking not just as an artistic discipline but as a democratic medium capable of mass dissemination and cultural literacy.