Some places stir a sense of nostalgia while some others leave us vacant. Some places delight us and some others disturb us. Artist Shalina S Vichitra tells Medha Dutta about her works that draw references from aerial maps, urban sprawls, constructed spaces, topographic studies, symbols and architectural plans. Exploring the fragility of life and its vulnerabilities, she works in mixed media. Excerpts from the interview:
What draws you to art?
Experiences, people, places and the environment—all stimulate the need to make art. An interaction of natural and man-made spaces and the individual as part of this whole macrocosm draws me to create art.
Have you always wanted to be an artist?
Since childhood I was
sure that I wanted to do something creative in the field of art or design. After joining the College of Art, Delhi, I realised that I wanted to be a painter and nothing else.
Does India encourage art as a profession?
Yes, it does. And the Indian painting scene is getting better every year.
You have travelled a lot with your art, what has been your biggest influence?
Travelling has stimulated a lot of my art-making process. New environs, spaces, ways people live—all of these stimulate the need to think objectively about existence and our relationship with the environment.
Do you feel your art has changed over the years?
My art-making practice has not changed, but yes, it definitely has evolved over the years.
Do you think we need to have more art fairs, biennales, and auction houses?
Yes. Art fairs really impact people and help in sensitising them towards art. Well-curated art fairs and biennales are a very important step towards this effort and make a lot of difference. Which artist has most impacted your work?
Maya Lin, an American designer and artist, who is known for her sculptures and land art. Lin’s most well-known sculptures and architectural works are historical memorials. She also works to memorialise nature through her works on environment as a theme. In creating works that deal with the depleting environment, Lin aims to raise awareness for the environment for audiences in urban spaces.
If not an artist, you would have been... Any other design-related professional
Favourite colours. White, grey, black
One work of art you wish you had painted. Wish I could paint like Mark Rothko
A secret wish. Travelling to remote places and digging out history of lost cultures
When & Where
‘A Place to Which We Belong’
A1-178, Fourth Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi
Time: 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday by appointment.
On till April 17