The Interplays of History, Culture and Perception in Bela Gupta’s Artistic Narrative
ICAC (International Confederation of Art Critics, UK)

Bela Gupta’s oeuvre emerges as a profound artistic inquiry into the interplay between historical narratives and spatial dynamics. Her works ambitiously tackle the themes of imperialism and cultural expansion, using a complex layering of visual elements to underscore the political underpinnings of these phenomena. Each piece is a pastiche of elements drawn from archival materials, which are ingeniously juxtaposed to foster a dialogue between past imperial actions and contemporary cultural dialogues.
Gupta’s approach is both heavily analytical and visually engaging, employing a rich tapestry of imagery that oscillates between direct historical references and abstract compositions. This melding of styles is designed to provoke reflection on how historical events are not isolated but rather interconnected in a visually dynamic space that unfolds on her canvases. Her technique suggests that memory and culture are not static but are constantly being reshaped—a notion that is central to understanding the flux in cultural identities.
Her paintings are not just visually striking; they are intellectually layered, offering a satirical yet poignant critique of the sociopolitical landscapes that shape global cultural exchanges. Through the lens of humour and irony, Gupta targets the absurdities and contradictions of political power structures, a satirical approach which enables her to weave a subtle yet sharp commentary on the ongoing impacts of colonial legacies and cultural hegemony.