Collages
Over years of meticulous practice, I have cultivated a diary of motifs and textures that grows organically over time. These motifs, crafted through woodcuts and screenprints, exist as multiples, each a self-contained visual, yet also fragments of a larger, ever-evolving narrative. These elements form the foundation of my artistic process, where their constant reshaping and recontextualization breathe new meanings into them. They become dynamic building blocks, continually destroyed and reassembled to fit into compositions that reflect my inspirations, interests, and lived experiences in India.
In this ongoing series, the motifs converse with new forms, textures, and lines, building intricate visual narratives that oscillate between personal memory and broader cultural commentary. The works invite viewers to engage with this dynamic process, piecing together their interpretations while navigating the layered stories embedded within the collages.
The Tentacle Creature
Inspired by the memories of the captivating documentary The Octopus Teacher on Netflix, my artistic practice took an unexpected turn toward exploring the mesmerizing beauty of the underwater world. The fluid movements of the octopus, its graceful navigation through the water, and the delicate dance of tentacled algae left a profound imprint on my imagination. Breaking away from conventional boundaries, my work began to reflect a deeper engagement with the symbolic and the surreal.This exploration became not just a study of form but also a meditation on movement, connection, and the act of reaching out—both physically and metaphorically. The tentacle’s dynamic presence symbolizes an embrace of the unfamiliar, a willingness to engage with what lies beyond the known. It mirrors my desire to traverse uncharted territories, not only in artistic practice but also in the understanding of self and surroundings.
Exhibition History
Collective Impact: Diverse Perspectives I Curated by Prayag Chakradhar I Exhibit320 I 2023
The Blooms
Inspired by travels to Himachal Pradesh and the verdant landscapes of Chandigarh, The Blooms are an ode to the flora and fauna encountered along the way. This body of work captures the interplay between symmetry and asymmetry observed in nature, how two blossoms on the same plant may appear identical yet subtly diverge in form, or how two halves of a leaf reflect but never replicate one another perfectly. The work celebrates the intricate assembly of parts that come together to create the harmonious whole.
The Blooms uses red colour tones to symbolize both the striking beauty and commanding presence of nature. Red, a hue deeply embedded in Indian visual culture, resonates with the motifs found in traditional Indian crafts, which often reflect the native flora of the regions they originate from.
Exhibition History
Collective Impact: Diverse Perspectives I Curated by Prayag Chakradhar I Exhibit320 I 2023
The Royal Deity
‘The more the Deity is decorated, the more your heart will be decorated with Krishna consciousness,” ( Srilla Prabhupada Letter, October 7, 1974)
The act of decorating deities in jewels and ornaments is a deeply ingrained ritual within Indian culture, symbolizing love, respect, and devotion toward the divine. This practice, often observed in Hindu temples, reflects a cultural behavior of embellishing objects of reverence to draw attention and convey significance. The visual inspiration for this work stems from memories of visiting temples where murtis (idols) were adorned with intricate decorations, serving as both a spiritual offering and a testament to devotion. The use of red and black in the imagery captures the bold and potent qualities associated with divinity in Hindu tradition, echoing the cultural emphasis on strength and vitality.