Abhinit Poddar’s Art Project Satirises Mainstream Fashion's Empty Sustainability Promises

Currently on a personal journey of exploration, Abhinit Poddar is a 21 year old artist from Delhi who chooses to visualise art as a medium for mapping human tendencies. One can notice how all of his creations translate a wider community perspective or even take part in colliding different ways of thinking.

Through material explorations he attempts to critique societal structures and fleeting movements for change. His recent project, 'Transparency' is a satirical take on the double standards of the fashion industry. Where such terms often take precedence in marketing the products but often lose all meaning in the real production process. Homegrown conducted an interview with the artist to get an insight into his personal journey, inspirations and more.

What are some of your biggest influences as an artist?

I look up to artists like FN Souza, Tom Sachs, and Carravagio. Then the places I visit and the experience I share with people along the way have a profound influence on my work. Definitely some socio-political issues and their effect not only in my immediate surroundings but also in a broader spectrum. Lasltly, moving to Mumbai for college has also been a significant shift in my life.

A project you wish you were a part of?

Khoj Studio's 'Peers Residency Programme'.

What are some things you learned while putting this project together?

This project made me realise why designer, bespoke and custom-made garments demand a higher price tag and why they are worth it. Also, technique wise I learned that stitching and embroidery on bubble wrap are pretty challenging tasks.

Tell us about your project.

'Transparency' is a satirical take on how fast fashion brands come up with "conscious" or "environment-friendly" lines of clothing. I utilise the medium of bubble wrap to juxtapose its role in packaging consumer products and how it is simply disposed off without serving any real purpose. The embroidered patches are sewn between layers of bubble wrap, showcasing how authenticity and handwork are taking a toll because of the fast fashion industry. The project attempts to shed light on individual buying choices and their impact on the environment and society.

What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?

My inspirations always come from my immediate surroundings. Lately, the rise of fast fashion and its parallel growth with the concept of sustainability has caught my attention. In terms of art, works by Somnath Hore (such as The Wounds series) are a big inspiration for me. Also getting a deeper understanding of human behaviour and psychology through conversations with my peers are some of the most significant sources of inspiration.

Describe your creative process and the purpose with which you create.

My abstractions reflect on the duality of what we humans hide from and reveal to the world. Our emotions, experiences, and circumstances are all kept in the backend but what we offer to others is a clean, complete person. I bring our difficulties, imperfections, and hardships to the forefront to help us remember who we are and how far we have come. The paintings and sculptures best translates my vision and language to the audience and expand beyond mediums and genres.

While I use various new materials and techniques in each artwork, my methodology is consistent. Although there are some material similarities between the different series, they are moreover always linked by recurring formal concerns. The subject matter of each body of work determines the materials and the forms of the work. Each project often consists of multiple pieces in various media all grouped around specific themes and meanings.

Lastly, I create pieces to visualise my tangibly thoughts and resonate with people across the globe. It builds a sense of belonging and an attempt to find peace in the world. My inspiration are mostly found in immediate surroundings, however small or large they never cease to give me new things to think and ponder about.

You can explore their projects here.

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