Concept Nation’s Artist Interview #8: Artist of the Month
“I like to play with the delusion of a reality and the chaotic nature of a dream”
I am yet another wanderer in life, contriving the mystifying conundrums of existence and its meaning. I take art as seriously and passionately as our day to day communication with others; art is no more or less, than an expression of our thoughts.
Meet the soul that made us fall in love with art all over again. Meet Artist Akilesh Kumar.
Q. Where did you study and how did you stumble upon art?
I did a major part of my schooling in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. and then moved to Chennai to complete my higher school. I have always been interested in Visual Arts. I was scribbling from an early age. My mother says that I used to scribble on the walls of our home even as early as two years old. I used to sketch or doodle on any flat surface that I could find. But I had only deemed it as a passion, and not a career option. It was only after I finished schooling and joined a college in Chennai to study B.Com, that I realized that passion inside me was stronger. Winning many art competitions gave me the confidence that I could consider doing art as a career option. After three years of B.Com, I studied Fine Arts for two years in Singapore. Now, I aspire to become a Professional Artist.
Q. How would you describe your art style?
As of now, I focus more on Figurative / Portrait art in an illustrative style. I also try to incorporate “Surrealism, Art Nouveau and Abstract Figurative” in certain works. I am still at an experimental stage and this style of art has no definition as of now.
My take on art is to bring to light, certain new ideas or concepts; to enter zones without any boundaries as such. I like to play with the delusion of a reality and the chaotic nature of a dream. Absorbing this notion, the art would kindle the mind, and pose certain questions and provoke viewers to create answers for themselves. For now, let us say that it could be a journey within.
Of course, I would never forget to experiment with colors, shapes, textures etc. They are the basics to create good art.
Q. Any favorite artists and designers that inspire you?
Oh, music and art has a huge influence on me. I cannot see one without the other. I’ll just list out a few musicians and a few artists.
In Music, My friend AMAN ANAND (plays Deep Progressive House Music), P.O.D., System Of A Down, Mudvayne, Radiohead, Tool (they have been a major influence), Cynic, Animals As Leaders, Mestis, and Tesseract to name a few.
When it comes to Art, Alex Grey, Agnes Cecile, Lora Zombie, Supakitch & Koralie, John Baizley, Pushead, Salvador Dali, Rene Margirette, Christian Cortes, Vartan Malakian and Greg Daly have served as inspiration.
If you’d like to check out my work jam, do check out AMAN’s music at https://soundcloud.com/amansconsciousness
Q. If not art, what do you think you would be doing?
I’d certainly be in music. Maybe even try out for an experimental band or run for Chief Minister. I might not be good at it, but I’d definitely try.
Q. How do you like spending Saturday night?
Painting, socializing or make music. Honestly, mostly painting.
Q. What is your take on the future of art & design?
We are in the Creative Era, and art only gets better. There are so many new platforms and ventures, so many different styles now. It is definitely an explosion of creativity.
Art lovers are bolder and are ready to appreciate new styles & themes. This gives a boost to artists like me to experiment & be creative.
Art is making a revival in India so to say. We were the leaders in many fields, including arts, thousands of years ago. We had a vibrant culture and tradition. But we lost out gradually. Thankfully the new generation is growing towards becoming art lovers. From now on things can only get better.
Q. Why did you choose to work with Concept Nation? How was your experience working with us?
I was referred to Concept Nation by a friend. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I took it up because my journey with Concept Nation has been fantastic. Good response, good publicity and a genuine effort towards supporting art.
Scroll further to lust over the artistically intelligent designer’s work.
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TD Fashion Editor for Concept Nation