Vivek Vilasini
Between One Shore and Several Others
2012 - 2013
Photographs, Vinyl
Born in 1964, in Trishur, Kerala, Vivek Vilasini trained as a Marine Radio Officer at the All India Marine College in Kochi, and then obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kerala University in 1987 before turning to art and studying sculpture from traditional Indian craftspeople.
In his work Vilasini examines our existing social structures, adapting various expressions of cultural identity prevalent in society today to raise questions about the continually changing global scenario that every individual struggles to keep pace with. Vilasini’s large-format photographs evoke delicate ironies that impact existing ideologies, and influence the cultural and social consciousness of the viewer.
Vilasini’s work has been exhibited in several solo shows including several editions of ‘Between One Shore and Several Others’ at Birds Gallery, Trivandrum, Arushi Arts, New Delhi, Sumukha Gallery, Bangalore, and the Visual Arts Gallery, New Delhi, in 2007-08; and at the Contemporary Art Gallery, Lalit Kala Academy, Kochi, in 2001. The most recent group shows in which his work has been featured include ‘Beyond the Form’ presented by Bajaj Capital Art House at the Visual Art Gallery, New Delhi, and Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2009; ‘In Focus: Contemporary Indian Photography’ at Crimson - The Art Resource, Bangalore, in 2009; ‘Re-Claim/ Re-Cite/ Re-Cycle’ presented by Latitude 28 at Travancore Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 2009; ‘Metamorphosis: Change and Continuity in Indian Contemporary Art’ at PAC Gallery, Phyllis Weston-Annie Bolling Gallery and the Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati, in 2009; ‘Bapu’ at Saffronart, Mumbai, in 2009; and ‘Who Knew Mr. Gandhi?’ at Aicon Gallery, London, in 2008.
‘Between One Shore And Several Others’ is an enquiry into the transmigrations of concepts, their assimilation, internalisation and the evolution of identities. Identity is an ongoing process embedded in everyday social practices. Ideas that shape one’s identity are usually local – local places, local customs, local histories – but the availability of alternatives allows one to escape the circumstances of one’s origin.
The artist lives and works in Bangalore.
Courtesy of saffronart.com, google arts & culture