COULD YOU SHARE THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER THAT SHAPED YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY AND LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
In my early school days, my artistic expression was confined to poster colors, crayons, and pencils. However, at the age of 10, I discovered oil paints, which sparked something within me that I had felt was missing in my work. This was a pivotal moment, revealing the profound impact that different mediums can have on artistic expression. Over time, I explored photography, computers, resins, and now, in today’s world, a wide array of mediums and processes that didn’t even exist when I was growing up. For me, artistic expression should never be limited to a single medium but should instead be driven by the message I wish to convey.
YOUR ARTWORK OFTEN REFLECTS A UNIQUE FUSION OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL MEDIA. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY SOURCES OF INSPIRATION, AND HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE THEM INTO YOUR WORK?
I can’t pinpoint any primary sources of inspiration. I find it all around me-whether it’s in music, art, travel, or even movies. Anything can spark a new idea. Since technology has become such a big part of our lives, it has always felt right for it to be a part of my art as well. I see it as a tool that allows me to explore new avenues and create unique works.
YOU ARE KNOWN FOR USING DIVERSE TECHNIQUES AND MEDIUMS. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES TO USE FOR A SPECIFIC PIECE?
When I am inspired, I have a clear vision of the piece I want to create, and I use whichever techniques and mediums best allow me to bring that vision to life.
HOW HAS YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS, AND WHAT INFLUENCES HAVE BEEN MOST SIGNIFICANT IN THIS EVOLUTION?
I have never been content sticking to one style. It’s important for me to keep things interesting, fresh, and exciting. The advent of computers has been the biggest influence on my work, enabling me to create pieces that blend digital and physical elements-an approach I still use today.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCED YOUR ART, AND HOW DO YOU SEE IT SHAPING THE FUTURE OF VISUAL ARTS?
I believe technology is a brilliant tool, and we should allow it to help our work grow and evolve. Computers have enabled me to create works I never imagined when I was growing up. Instead of fearing technology in the art space, we should embrace it and use it to elevate our art to new heights.
HOW DOES YOUR INDIAN HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR ARTWORK, AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE GLOBAL AND CULTURAL ELEMENTS?
Art is deeply personal, and my Indian heritage is naturally a part of that, whether I’m conscious of it or not. I grew up in India, and much of my life has been spent here, so whether it’s reflected in the themes or style of my work, my heritage manifests in some way. However, we also live in a globalized world, and I am constantly influenced by other cultures, whether through travel, media, or food. Coming from an Indian background while allowing myself to be influenced by the world around me results in works that are uniquely mine.
WHAT THEMES OR CONCEPTS DO YOU FIND YOURSELF REVISITING, AND WHAT MESSAGES DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY THROUGH YOUR PIECES?
Although painting is a non-verbal expression, my love for the written word means that books and language evoke deep emotions in me. This connection to storytelling often inspires me to explore universal themes, particularly how we take our planet and our lives for granted. Food, which nourishes and brings people together, is also significant in my narratives. Humanity’s fleeting presence on Earth and the lasting impact we leave behind are themes I often explore. I also frequently incorporate maps as another expression of our existence on the planet. Through these recurring themes, I aim to inspire reflection and awareness.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER AS AN ARTIST, AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?
As the saying goes, persistence and luck pay off. Like everyone, artists need to survive, and so does art. If my work isn’t accepted by the art community or collectors, I would need another source of income, which could dilute the purity of my expression. Many young artists give up too easily and start producing what they think people will like. However, the challenge is to make people appreciate what you create, not the other way around. Staying true to your vision is essential, even when the path is difficult.
YOUR WORK FEATURES IN BOTH PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS. HOW DO THESE DIFFERENT SETTINGS INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU APPROACH A PROJECT?
It’s important to consider the space where your work will be installed, especially for commissioned projects. For example, placing a painting in an open-air public space presents challenges, just as an enormous sculpture with sharp edges wouldn’t work in a living room. When I create for myself, I don’t necessarily think about where it will be displayed, but public sculptures and commissioned paintings are tied to their environment, and I tailor my approach accordingly.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR MARK IN THE ART WORLD TODAY?
Curiosity and critical thinking are key. Everyone wants to succeed, but that shouldn’t be the only goal. Take the time to think deeply about your work, challenge yourself, and don’t get fixated on the end result. Focus on the process and the growth that comes with it.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR EXHIBITIONS THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?
I’m excited about everything I do, provided it gives me the freedom to create and express my thoughts. The bigger, the better! Right now, I’m particularly thrilled about a few upcoming projects that allow me to push my creative boundaries in new and exciting ways. Although I can’t share too many details yet, they involve innovative techniques and collaborations that I’ve been eager to explore. I’m grateful that there are always new opportunities on the horizon, and I hope they keep coming.
HOW DOES YOUR LIFESTYLE INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVITY, AND WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR ENVIRONMENT PLAY IN YOUR ARTISTIC PROCESS?
Travel is very important to me, offering a break from the fast pace of everyday life. Experiencing new places, cultures, and art from those regions gives me the fresh input I need to keep my ideas flowing, my style fresh, and my work ever-evolving.
