Cosmos is the result of my encounter with Hampi’s mystical landscap: Arvind Sundar

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Arvind Sundar creates a compelling narrative through Cosmos, his ongoing show, that intertwines personal evolution with broader historical and contemporary art discourses. The viewers are compelled to engage with the timeless questions of existence, and explore how geometry, mythology, and mathematical principles converge to reveal the profound complexities of the cosmos. Each work stands as a meditation on the artist’s transformative experience in Hampi, bridging past and present, the seen and the unseen, the logical and the mystical.
Born and brought up in Coimbatore, Sundar moved to Chennai for a Bachelor’s degree in communication design, and then to the USA for an MFA degree. After completing his education, he taught art for some time, first in the US and later in India, before plunging full time into art. “My parents always encourage and support me to pursue my dreams and that has played a significant role in my career,” he says. Excerpts from an interview:

Why did you choose Mumbai for the show?
After getting my graduate degree from the US I came back to India and started exploring cities that are art centers of India. When I saw Mumbai I really felt the people are culturally rooted and diverse at the same time. The gallery scene of Mumbai is really buzzling and forward thinking than other cities.

Are you, in some way, exploring spirituality through these works?
Yes, these works came from the direct result of my encounter with the vast and mystical landscape of Hampi. I was an artist in residence at Hampi Art Labs powered by JSW foundation during the beginning of this year and my experiences with the ruins of the temple architecture led to me to this body of work.

Do you delve into spirituality? — do you have a guru, meditate, meditate, etc.?
I consider deep scientific enquiry as a spiritual experience. For example when you think of the great mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujam, attributed many of his discoveries to his spiritual experiences.

What is the connection between art and spirituality?
Spirituality is all about knowing one’s own self and art is exactly the same.

More people these days are into exploring the divine than ever before. What’s your take on this?
The dissonances of modern society is a reason I guess but in my view I feel lot of people aren’t exploring the divine right now.

How many shows have you held so far, and in which all places?
I have been a part of more than 50 shows in several countries like the USA, Dubai, South Korea, Netherlands and of course a major lot in India.

Do you practice other art forms like painting, etc., or is it only sculptures for you? If yes, why. If not, why?

I have Master’s degree in painting. My primary practice is painting and drawing but my experience in Hampi pushed me into this material investigation that this series of Sculptures and installations.

What is it in sculptures that draws you the most towards this form of art?
The materiality, as we say “medium is the message”, painting is so historically rooted that materiality is masked by the content but in sculpture the materiality plays a very significant role. I wanted to explore that area where my material choices have much deeper meanings.

How is Coimbatore for the growth of an artist
Coimbatire is a quiet and serene place where the life is slow and peaceful. This pace of life sets me a good tone for my studio.

How did you enter the world of art? Is there someone in your family who inspired you?
I started drawing because of my grandfather. He was an entomologist for the National Malaria Programme during the 60s and 70s. He always draws insects and animals as a part of his research. When I was a kid he used to sit with me and teach me drawing. I think that played a significant role in my early life.

Who is your favorite artist, and why?
I don’t have a single favourite artist. More than artists I like the particular works created by certain artists. For example, a monument for the Third International designed by Vladimir Tatlin and Autumn Rhythm by Jackson pollock are few works that I keep going back to.

Can art sustain life? Please explain your point of view?
Yes, there are lot of struggles but once you reach a point in the artistic career it is very much sustainable. That being said some sort of alternative income would be of good support.

How many hours do you dedicate to your art in a day?
I work for around 6-7 hours everyday with breaks in between and during shows I would be working for 10-12 hours.

What are your other interests?
I like origami and cooking. I have a cat.

Any message you would like to give to upcoming artists.
Work hard and inspiration would be flowing to you.

AT Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art, Mumbai Till October 11 (6-9pm)