Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran: The Guardians
Sullivan+Strumpf are thrilled to announce a major solo exhibition by one of Australia鈥檚 most exciting contemporary artists, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, The Guardians, opening Thursday October 13 until Saturday November 14, 2021.
For a period of four weeks the lower level of Sullivan+Strumpf鈥檚 Zetland gallery will be transformed to a surreally mythological space, filled to the brim with a collection of cacophonous ceramic and bronze guardian and protector figures.
Created in Nithiyendran鈥檚 signature neo-expressionist and polychromatic style, the 鈥淕uardians鈥� will range in size from larger-than-life to mid-scale, each unique piece showcasing his elaborate building and glazing strategies, alongside new techniques he has experimented with over the past year.
In his latest body of work, the Sydney-based Sri Lankan born artist draws on diverse global influences and gestures to broad histories related to sculptural and ritualistic icons designed to protect from evil. Reflecting upon the guardian figure as a relevant archetype for our current times, Nithiyendran says 鈥渢he [guardian] figure鈥檚 allusions to ideas around regeneration, renewal and even collapse are particularly pertinent in our current global climate defined by social, environmental and public health shifts/upheaval鈥�.
The Guardians series also references Nithiyendran鈥檚 cultural background, drawing on his experience of being born in Sri Lanka, where Hindu, Christian and Buddhist cultures have coexisted and been intertwined for centuries; and growing up in Australia, with its own cultural histories. Whilst consistent with his celebrated unconventional and irreverent approach, the works speak to contemporary culture at large, reflecting the artist鈥檚 fascination with emojis, zoology and queer imagery.
At the core of this major show, Nithiyendran鈥檚 explorations are nurtured by the artists鈥� longstanding interest in idolatry. Mythological figures and narratives across the Asia Pacific have been researched, from Japanese Nio guardians to Hindu Dvarapala door gate guardians.
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Sullivan+Strumpf are thrilled to announce a major solo exhibition by one of Australia鈥檚 most exciting contemporary artists, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, The Guardians, opening Thursday October 13 until Saturday November 14, 2021.
For a period of four weeks the lower level of Sullivan+Strumpf鈥檚 Zetland gallery will be transformed to a surreally mythological space, filled to the brim with a collection of cacophonous ceramic and bronze guardian and protector figures.
Created in Nithiyendran鈥檚 signature neo-expressionist and polychromatic style, the 鈥淕uardians鈥� will range in size from larger-than-life to mid-scale, each unique piece showcasing his elaborate building and glazing strategies, alongside new techniques he has experimented with over the past year.
In his latest body of work, the Sydney-based Sri Lankan born artist draws on diverse global influences and gestures to broad histories related to sculptural and ritualistic icons designed to protect from evil. Reflecting upon the guardian figure as a relevant archetype for our current times, Nithiyendran says 鈥渢he [guardian] figure鈥檚 allusions to ideas around regeneration, renewal and even collapse are particularly pertinent in our current global climate defined by social, environmental and public health shifts/upheaval鈥�.
The Guardians series also references Nithiyendran鈥檚 cultural background, drawing on his experience of being born in Sri Lanka, where Hindu, Christian and Buddhist cultures have coexisted and been intertwined for centuries; and growing up in Australia, with its own cultural histories. Whilst consistent with his celebrated unconventional and irreverent approach, the works speak to contemporary culture at large, reflecting the artist鈥檚 fascination with emojis, zoology and queer imagery.
At the core of this major show, Nithiyendran鈥檚 explorations are nurtured by the artists鈥� longstanding interest in idolatry. Mythological figures and narratives across the Asia Pacific have been researched, from Japanese Nio guardians to Hindu Dvarapala door gate guardians.
Artists on show
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