Object number2024.47.1
Rosebud
Date2021
Artist
Huma Bhabha
(Pakistani, born 1962)
CulturePakistani, American
MediumPatinated bronze
EditionEdition 2 of 3, plus 2 artist's proofs
DimensionsOverall: 40 x 13 x 14 in. (101.6 x 33 x 35.6 cm)
Base: 30 x 20 x 20 in., (76.2 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm,)
Base: 30 x 20 x 20 in., (76.2 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm,)
Credit LineGift from the collection of Nicolas Rohatyn and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, class of 1989, in honor of Mary-Kay Lombino
On View
Not on viewPeriod21st c
Classification(s)
Vassar Exhibitions
Label TextRosebud takes its title from its floral shape, rose patina, and in part from the famous opening line of Citizen Kane—a word whose meaning only becomes clear at the film’s end, though
the sculpture remains enigmatic. Often working from materials such as cork and Styrofoam, materials she describes as “refuse” and “rejected,”Huma Bhabha assembles armatures before translating these fragile materials into bronze. The rose patina suggests weathering over time, preserving what would otherwise disintegrate. Bhabha notes that she thrives on her own mistakes: “If something opens up, I think it gives it more action within the sculpture.” One leg raised, the figure’s surface bears a scarred vocabulary from sculpting and abrasion.
Throughout her practice, Bhabha draws from a wide visual lexicon that spans art history, science fiction, and horror films. Her figures occupy a temporal threshold between states, suspended between media and eras.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge.
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