Sudarshan Shetty queries the fundamental ontology of objects through his exploration of the idea of ‘nakli’ or ‘fake.’ Material translations of found objects, often with reclaimed teak wood sourced from old houses coming down in Mumbai, play on the notion that objects are always already referential. The workmanship and time embodied in these newly handcrafted forms draws attention to the creation of an artifice, reflecting on our inherent value systems, particularly when perceiving the works in a museum or gallery context.
Sudarshan Shetty’s recent solo shows include 'Mimic Momento' at Galerie Daniel Templon, Brussels (2015), 'who must write these lines' at GALLERYSKE Bangalore (2015), 'every broken moment, piece by piece' at GALLERYSKE New Delhi (2014), 'the pieces the earth took away' at Galerie Krinzinger, Vienna (2012), and 'Between the teacup and a sinking constellation' at Galerie Daniel Templon, Paris (2011). Shetty’s work has featured in major group exhibitions including 'Passage to India,' Staatliches Museum Schwerin, Schwerin (2015), 'Art Walk: Water,' curated by Gayatri Sinha, Europalia India, Liege (2013-14), the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2012), 'Paris-Delhi-Bombay...,' Centre Pompidou, Paris (2011), 'Contemplating the Void: Interventions in the Guggenheim Museum,' curated by Nancy Spector at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York (2010) and in 'Indian Highway,' a traveling exhibit (2009-2012). In 2010, Shetty’s 'House of Shades,' commissioned by Louis Vuitton, was unveiled at Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele in Milan. In 2012, Shetty unveiled 'The Flying Bus,' a public art work at Maker Maxity, Mumbai, a significant public work in the country. The artist lives and works in Mumbai.
Image credit: Annik Wetter
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