WHO: This Kerala-born artist has a BFA from Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, and a Masters in Visual Arts from Goldsmiths College, University of London. Based in Mumbai, he has exhibited and curated several shows in India and abroad. He actively supports young, lesser-known artists. He has been exhibited in Aicon Gallery, London and New York, NGMA, Mumbai, and the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
An incident that changed or formed your artistic vision?
Being in Mumbai. Coming from a small village to the maximum city has definitely brought a larger vision and maximum polarity to my practice.
As an artist, do you subscribe to societal notions of sex and love? Do you feel a need to be rid of them?
As an artist I ask, are there any rules in love and lovemaking? Should there be? I say live life with maximum freedom.
What is the one memory, thought or feeling you’ve never been able to translate into art but wish you could?
There are many unrealised projects in my career. However, I have no regrets. I was never very interested in translating ideas as an artist. Rather, I prefer creating works for transformations, in people and in society. I believe in the idea of a better world or better nation-building and creating social interventions to achieve goals for everyone.
What has been your greatest moment of distress, fear or exhilaration?
I think the worst moments have been those of misunderstandings with other people.
In your deepest relationships, which is the one demon you grapple with?
The question I keep asking myself is whether I’m being generous in my love.
What is your conception of the divine?
I believe that the divine exists, and in many forms. He/she comes into our lives as a friend, or as a surprise, or as destiny or fate.
One aspect of yourself you hope your child won’t emulate?
Impatience.
The one you hope they will emulate?
Love.
Aradhna Wal is a Trainee, Features with Tehelka.
aradhna@tehelka.com
