Celebrated Sculptor Latika Katt Dies at 76

Latika Katt, one of India's most celebrated and prolific sculptors, passed away at the age of 76. Renowned for her monumental sculptures and busts of public figures, Katt’s art captured the essence of nature in its purest forms.

Throughout her remarkable five-decade career, she worked with various materials such as terracotta, papier-mâché, stone, and bronze, earning numerous prestigious awards both nationally and internationally for her artistic contributions.

A Lifelong Passion for Sculpture

Katt's passion for sculpture began during her second year at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) when she felt a deeper connection with the tactile process of working with clay and wood. She often spoke about how the sensation of tree bark in her hands sparked her love for the medium. For her, sculpting was not just an artistic process but a physical and emotional experience, where the body itself became an integral part of the creation.

Academic and Artistic Foundations

Katt’s formal education in sculpture began at MS University, Baroda, where she completed her master's degree. She further refined her skills through a research scholarship at London’s renowned Slade School of Art.

These educational experiences shaped her technical abilities and artistic vision, influencing her explorations of unconventional materials. Her late husband and mentor, Balbir Singh Katt, inspired her to experiment with mediums like cow dung on the ghats of Varanasi and tree trunks at MSU.

Iconic Works in Bronze and More

Katt’s sculptures were known for their grand scale and intricate details. One of her most famous works is the 20-foot bronze statue of Jawaharlal Nehru at Jawahar Bhawan in Delhi, where Nehru is depicted releasing pigeons into the sky. Katt’s approach involved detailed site studies, sometimes even examining perspectives from 16 feet below ground, to ensure her sculptures harmonized with their environments.

Award-Winning Masterpieces

Among her notable works, Katt’s bronze sculpture ‘Makarsankranti Nahan at Dashaswamedh Ghat’ won the Beijing Art Biennale Award in 2010. The piece captures the beauty of everyday life through its depiction of figures engaged in routine activities. Another striking piece, ‘Banana Tree’ showcases her ability to breathe life into inanimate objects with bronze fruits resembling fingers intertwined.

Portraits of Legends

Katt’s Rodin-inspired busts of iconic figures, such as Ramkinkar Baij, Somnath Hore, Mulk Raj Anand, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, are highly regarded. Each bust tells a story, reflecting the legacy of its subject. She recounted in a 2013 public lecture how she captured Ramkinkar Baij's likeness, initially met with skepticism but eventually admired by Baij for the textured, layered treatment of his face.

A Life Devoted to Art and Nature

Katt also had a deep fascination with the organic forms of nature, often drawing inspiration from the natural world around her. She was captivated by the collaborative efforts of termites and bees, and her ability to translate these natural phenomena into her sculptures set her apart. Her work often blurred the lines between art and nature, creating a dialogue that celebrated the beauty and intricacy of life.