Every week, we turn our Facebook page into a revolving door of art and design to feature the exclusive works of young Indian artists whose work we admire, hoping that our readers might appreciate their creative expressions as much as we do. Our 26th edition proudly displays the work of talented artist Siddha Kannur, so keep reading for an insight into his creative mind.
I. Give us a brief insight into your background as an artist?
The tendency to draw passionately started during my IIT JEE coaching in Kota, Rajasthan. Soon after, I realized I never really liked engineering, and I went on to study architecture at Rachna Sansad (Prabhadevi) for two years. I tend to worship quirkiness and weird design elements – as a result of which I developed my own style. Currently, I'm pursuing Applied Art from JJ Institute of Applied Art.
I have worked as a UI/visual designer for an app-developing company, and handled about three branding projects. I am currently working on branding and interior renovation for Avanti learning centers (an NGO that helps students study at their dream colleges) out of Delhi. I recently won the bronze medal at SOKI Illusart festival in Korea. Other than designing, I work the drums for the band Melakarta and we are working on recording soon. I love travelling, and I draw inspiration from the places I see and people I meet.
II. Tell us about some of your biggest inspirations over the years, throughout your artistic career?
My parents have been my biggest inspiration. Always. It’s not just that they have supported every move I’ve made, but also given me a mind that creates what it does. Also, my best friend Harsh has influenced the way I think, and I can trace some of my works back to him.
III. Could you tell us more about the thought process behind the artwork you made us?
I’ve always believed and witnessed that meaningful art comes out of subconscious thinking. My works are driven by the intense will to create things that stand out, and don’t follow conventions. At times, even I can be clueless about the thought process behind my work, and I don’t feel the need to explain. I feel like art is the ability to express as opposed to the urge to explain.
IV. Who are some of the most inspirational artists in India and abroad, according to you?
Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher is one of the very few artists to inspire me heavily. Other artists that I look up to are Joan Cornella, Paul Klee and Tim Burton.
V. If you could work with the Indian government for an art project that you get to suggest and lead, what would that be?
I would love to design beautiful chawls across places full of skyscrapers and fancy buildings. I would also love to initiate a program that helps underprivileged children study design from top notch institutes and change the way design is perceived here.
VI. What are your future plans? Any projects you would like to kick off, or possibly work for a big art house?
My future plans are to start work on my first experimental film. I have almost wrapped up the story. I’d love to design T-shirts for Cottonworld.
VII. Could you share 3 of your best designs and elaborate on each one of them?
There’s always a conflict between grey and colour. Both can bring out the beauty in something and at the same time negate it. It’s a paradoxical world, and therefore, very interesting.
Chawls have always fascinated me. Drawing chawls on site visits was probably the most cherished moment of my architecture days.
This is a poster for Guysexual. The concept hits you if you stare at it for a couple of minutes.
VIII. Quick question round:
- One track you're currently listening to?
I’m hooked to ‘Kings and Queens’ by 30 Seconds to Mars.
- An artwork you wished you had done?
I wish I worked on the concept art for Tim Burton’s ‘The Corpse Bride’.
- An art project you wish you were a part of?
- Your favourite munchies?
I don’t eat junk, but I munch on pomegranates frequently.
