Vivan Sundaram
Vivan Sundaram, a pioneering Indian artist who made significant contributions to multidisciplinary art in India, passed away on March 29, 2023, at the age of 79. He was a prominent Indian contemporary artist known for his innovative use of materials and techniques, as well as his exploration of themes related to history, politics, and social issues. Born on May 28, 1943, in Shimla, Sundaram was the son of Kalyan Sundaram, a former chairman of Law Commission of India, and Indira Sher-Gil, the sister of noted Indian modern artist Amrita Sher-Gil.
Sundaram’s artistic journey began at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda, where he studied painting from 1961 to 1965. He later completed a course in History of Cinema at the Slade School of Art, London, from 1966 to 1968. During his time in London, Sundaram actively participated in the students’ movement of May 1968 and helped set up a commune, where he resided until 1970.
After returning to India in 1971, Sundaram worked with artists’ and students’ groups to organize events and protests, particularly during the Emergency years. He was a key figure in the Indian art scene, and his artistic practice spanned a range of mediums such as readymades, photographs, videos, and sculptural installation. His work in installation art is widely considered crucial to the development of the genre in India.
Sundaram studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, where he was exposed to a range of artistic techniques and ideas. He was heavily influenced by the teachings of artists such as K.G. Subramanyan and N.S. Bendre, who emphasized the importance of creating art that spoke to social and political issues. Sundaram later pursued a post-graduate diploma at Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he continued to experiment with new techniques and materials.
Sundaram’s work spanned across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography. He was known for his use of found objects and images in his art, which often spoke to the themes of memory, loss, and remembrance. One of his most famous works was the “Memorial” series, which consisted of installations made from found objects and photographs that commemorated the lives of people who had been forgotten or marginalized by society. These installations were deeply personal and emotional, highlighting the injustices and tragedies of life in India.
In addition to his work as an artist, Sundaram was also a distinguished art educator. He taught at various institutions, including the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, and played an instrumental role in shaping the contemporary art scene in India. His mentorship and guidance helped many young artists find their voices and make their mark in the world of art.
Throughout his career, Sundaram received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2000, one of India’s highest civilian awards, and his work was exhibited extensively in India and abroad, including at the Venice Biennale, Documenta, and the Biennale of Sydney. His contributions to the world of contemporary art in India and beyond were immeasurable, and he remains an influential figure even after his death.
One of the most significant aspects of Sundaram’s work was his ability to challenge dominant narratives and structures. His art often engaged with issues such as globalization, consumerism, and environmental degradation, and sought to offer alternative perspectives that questioned the status quo. His work was deeply personal and emotional, and his use of found objects and images added layers of complexity and meaning to his installations.
Sundaram has exhibited his artwork extensively in both solo and group shows, including international biennials, with two retrospectives at the Haus der Kunst (Munich) and the Kiran Nadar Museum (New Delhi). His artwork has been displayed in various locations, such as Shanghai, Johannesburg, Kwangju, and within institutions like Tate Modern, Herning Kunstmuseum, The Queens Museum of Art in New York, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, and Tate Modern in London. In 2008, his artwork was part of the “Archive Fever: Uses of the Document in Contemporary Art” exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York. Additionally, Sundaram has authored over fifteen books, including his most recent publications such as “Making Strange,” “Trash,” “Amrita Sher Gil: An Indian Artist Family of the 20th Century,” “Re-take of Amrita,” and “Vivan Sundaram is not a Photographer.”
Vivan Sundaram was a visionary artist who made significant contributions to the world of contemporary art in India and beyond. His innovative use of materials and techniques, as well as his exploration of themes related to history, politics, and social issues, will continue to inspire, and influence generations of artists to come.His passing is a great loss to the Indian art community, and his contributions to art especially, to the development of Indian contemporary art, are unparalleled and everlasting.
Charcoal drawing
Charcoal is a wonderful medium that offers artists the ability to create stunning, expressive works of art. It is an easily accessible medium which allows artist to explore different techniques without any fear of costs. Charcoal is a friend for budding artists who desire to learn drawing and once one gets familiar with the medium masterpieces begin to flow. There are many artists who created stunning pieces of art using mere sticks of charcoal. Without any doubt, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, charcoal is going to make you fall in love with it. It’s a versatile medium and there are a variety of techniques you can use to make the most of this medium. From blending and shading to creating texture and depth, here are some tips and tricks to help you create beautiful charcoal drawings.
One of the most important techniques for using charcoal is to start with a good quality paper. Choose a heavy weight paper with a rough texture that will hold the charcoal effectively. When drawing, use a range of charcoal grades to create different effects. Soft charcoal is great for creating smooth, even tones, while harder grades can be used to create crisp, sharp lines.
To create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in your drawings, it’s important to use shading techniques. Try using your fingers, a blending tool, or a soft cloth to blend the charcoal and create smooth gradients. You can also use a kneaded eraser to lift the charcoal and create highlights.
Another technique for using charcoal is to create texture in your drawings. Try using different tools to create a variety of marks, such as a charcoal pencil, a compressed charcoal stick, or a piece of vine charcoal. You can also use a dry brush to create a soft, smoky effect.
When working with charcoal, it’s important to be mindful of the dust it creates. To prevent smudging and to keep your workspace clean, use a fixative spray to set your drawing in place. You can also use a piece of paper to shield your hand from the charcoal while you work.
Charcoal drawing is a versatile and expressive medium that offers a wide range of creative possibilities. By using a variety of techniques, you can create stunning works of art that are full of depth, texture, and emotion. So grab your charcoal and start exploring the possibilities today.
