About My Art
I am a local artist living and designing in Nashville, TN. When I create art, I want it to speak about the complexity of connections and the meaning behind being connected. My work focuses on the connections within ourselves, our communities, and our world.
My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences within various communities. I grew up in two worlds: an isolated first-generation Indian kid in the South and a fully immersed Hindi-speaking Shia Ismailli Muslim. It has led me to critically analyze the social and cultural influences that have shaped my personality and mannerisms, which I now express through my art.
For me, metal is more than just a medium; it symbolizes strength and stability. I often draw inspiration from the imagery of a cube, a perfect and stable shape, and then challenge its form by constructing it without measurements. This process, which yields a unique result each time, mirrors the effects of the diverse individuals we encounter in our communities, who in turn shape our outcomes. This idea is a visual representation of growth and change, achieved through the dynamic movement and overlapping of lines.
Clay is seen as the opposite of metal, fluid, and shaping. Within clay, using the elements of touch and repetition is very informative. The texture of a person's fingers against the surface, rubbing, squeezing, and smoothing, creates a visual commentary about personal connections. Drawing from Islamic art, I articulate geometric shapes in art and architecture, such as mosaics, domes, and pillars. The forms are then intersected with moments of human touch, and the geometries are transformed into abstraction.
As an artist, I aim to transform tradition into a new perception of belonging.
Victorious. Abstract Arch. Welded Steel, Plastic Vinyl, Nylon Cord, Cast Fingers. December 2023.
"Victorious" stands as a poignant and symbolic self-portrait, crafted with welded steel to embody the triumph associated with my name, which means "Victorious" in Hindi. This archway, an embodiment of personal triumphs, features 13 colored plastic sheets, each representing a unique facet, and honoring my birthday on 2/13. Between the arch's gaps, these vibrant hues infuse a dynamic energy, reflecting the diverse aspects of my journey.
Adding a profound touch, suspended fingers cast from my family members dangle within the arch, emphasizing the significance of family bonds. These familial casts serve as poignant reminders of shared victories and collective strength, elevating the archway into a celebration of personal triumphs intertwined with the unwavering support and love of family.
Tangled. Abstract Cubes. Welded Steel, Plastic Film, Thread. October 2023
"Tangled" is a captivating metal sculpture, a fusion of interconnected metal cubes meticulously welded to form an abstract and larger geometric cube. Suspended between two faces of the smaller cubes within this intricate structure, vibrant colored plastic films, in shades of red and blue, delicately intertwine, held together with fine threads. This juxtaposition of industrial metal and delicate materials creates a visually engaging piece, inviting contemplation on the harmonious balance between strength and fragility, order and chaos.
Bondage. Abstract Columns. Welded Steel and Nylon Cord. August 2023
"Bondage" is a compelling metal sculpture that explores the concept of interdependence. Composed of a towering column, meticulously crafted by stacking welded cubes, the piece emanates strength and structure. Within this robust exterior, a second column is suspended, delicately tethered by nylon cords. The tension between the solid, industrial cubes and the ethereal suspension of the inner column creates a visually arresting juxtaposition, prompting contemplation on the inherent balance between resilience and vulnerability, restraint and liberation. "Bondage" stands as a testament to the intricate dance between opposing forces in the pursuit of equilibrium.
Evolution. Abstract Columns. Welded Steel. April 2023.
"Evolution" unfolds as a captivating metal sculpture, comprised of five stacked cube columns meticulously crafted from steel. Beginning with a modest small cube, each successive column ascends in size, forming a visually compelling narrative of growth and progression. The sculpture, aptly named "Evolution," symbolizes the transformative journey represented by the increasing scale of the stacked cubes. This dynamic interplay of form and size invites viewers to contemplate the inherent beauty in the evolutionary process, where simplicity burgeons into complexity, and each layer represents a step forward in the continuous unfolding of artistic and conceptual development.
