Osian's Auction Catalogue Select Masterpieces of Indian Modern and Contemporary Art | June 2009

63 27 Bharti Kher (b.1969) Imposter Fibre Glass and fur, 2004 45.1 x 36.2 x 29.9 in (114.5 x 92.2 x 76.0 cm) INR 4,800,000 – 6,000,000 USD 100,000 – 125,000 Illustrated Reference Bharti Kher , ExC, GallerySke and Nature Morte, 2006, p30-31 Bharti Kher’s works often employ images of hybrid beings (part-human and part-animal) caught up in familiar humane environment, engaged in chores, few in domestic spaces like Arione serving chocolate muffins, Arione’s sister just back from shopping, or a Family Portrait with a wolf-headed vacuum cleaner; or animals straight away enacting the human role like a giraffe committing suicide. There are traits of things gone awry, the normalcy code being broken or ignored. This encroaching violence and pervading animalism acquires a subtle expression in Lot 27 . The ape wearing jewels and fur coat act as caricatures of human indulgences and dogmas. ‘Imposter’ anticipates her other works where she uses the image of ‘ape’ such as ‘The Wise One’ (2006)