'I had gotten used to the darkness around me, after a while, I could see light in that very darkness, which surrounded me.
The environment of no hope illuminated the surroundings!
Melancholy had paved the way for a new beginning; my road had started from a point devoid of light. Whatever you see has emerged from darkness.
I am inspired by William Blake’s work. His golden words have taken on colour and have become my inspiration. Even though my artworks have emerged from a dialogue with darkness, I feel they are full of colour and hope. To me they are a refuge from uncertainty.
To my mind ash comes from destruction, whether intentional or unintentional, and the Phoenix rises from the ashes. This process is quite similar to the destruction we face in our lives, be it emotional, physical or material. Therefore, I draw inspiration from the concept of Rebirth - of the phoenix rising from the ashes.'
Saju Kunhan was born and brought up in a village to a peasant labour family where art was not of a major concern. After completing his graduation in Fine Arts, he moved to Mumbai with the intention to work as a designer for some corporate companies at first. The very first week he accidentally met some big names in Indian contemporary art that left me inspired. Later Saju dropped his interest to study postgraduation in design and enrolled at JJ School of Arts for a Master’s program. This was more of an experimental space. He enjoyed its ambience and multiple possibilities, where most of his time was spent outside class spaces.
Fly Ash opens this week for the public at Art District XIII.
Details:
F 213-C
Lado sArai
New Delhi