Highly Unfriendly

HIGHLY UNFRIENDLY 1, 2 & 3

Set of 3 works with 9 pieces in each.
Gouache and black ink on each 14.8 cms X 21 cms Canson Graduate grey acid-free card 220gsm.
2024.

The column – linchpin of any kind of architectural or infrastructural endeavour is at the heart of this body of work – but a series of dysfunctional imagined brutalist columns. Modern metropolises in ‘developing’ countries begin to look like cities on stilts designed for vehicles – highly pedestrian unfriendly. The column ink paintings are interspersed with gouache paintings referencing architectural plan drawings with a lexicon reminiscent of Subway/metro maps, constructivist/bauhaus/post-modern design ethos, cartographic references, tetris, etc. The abrasive and retrofitted nature of urban planning and hasty development powered by the urgency to reap political dividends in ‘developing’ countries, often manifest in reverse-engineered ‘adjustments’ and absurd and/or potentially hazardous situations.

Part of a group show ‘Contains, Cuddles, Exhalts, Or Stimulates’ at Aicon Contemporary, New York.

Aicon Contemporary:
Group show ‘Contains, Cuddles, Exhalts, Or Stimulates’ on view until April 19, 2025.

This group show features: Swagata Bhattacharyya, Marcy Chevali, Dilip Chobisa, Abir Karmakar, Najmun Nahar Keya, Sameer Kulavoor, Seher Naveed, Maheen Niazi, Giles Pates, Misra Pravat, Gigi Scaria and Abhishek Tuiwala. Throughout history, architecture has been a symbol of resilience, offering protection and continuity amidst the shifting sands of political and social upheaval. It has also been a medium for artistic expression and practice. From the ancient walled cities to modern-day refugee shelters, structures have borne witness to the trials of their people. Likewise, art has long been a response to these challenges—offering commentary, healing, and, often, a space to find peace amidst chaos. Alternatively, to amplify the chaos. Contains, Cuddles, Exalts, Or Stimulates explores the dynamic relationship between art, architecture and the society the two exist within.