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About the artist

Award-winning artist kumari nahappan is an established name in the local and regional art scene. She excels in creating installations of breathtaking beauty, which offer the viewer a sensual as well as a spiritual experience.

Simple yet profound themes such as time and energy form the basis of kumari’s works. The cyclical nature of time and infinity is often reflected in the layout, for example the descending spiral of “360 Test Tubes from Ubi Road 2”. Her installations are often comprised of simple elements put together with potential for infinite extension beyond the confines of any space. As kumari describes it, “ I see my works as a continuum. It builds and layers from one show to the next.”

More importantly, kumari’s works address the human factor in themes of cosmic significance. Time is punctuated by human intervention – in the form of rituals, for example. Thus ritualistic paraphernalia find their way into the art, such as brass bells and lamps in the Almanac Series. Art for kumari is a ritual – the creation of the works entails artistic ritual, and the end result is a feeling of inner peace, both for the artist as well as for the viewer.

Hindu religious philosophy and cultural practices play a large part in kumari’s art. Her choice of found objects for her installation and the colours of her artworks reflect the importance of these foundations. Yet kumari is not merely transposing the temple to the gallery; her understated yet forceful works re-interpret these traditions, fusing them with elements of her Western training and education. The results are often startling juxtapositions of opposites: the theme of cyclical time as opposed to the linearity of exhibition layouts, the lush colour and deep spiritual significance of the canvases contrasting with their minimalist execution. kumari’s art resonates with an inner energy and peace.

kumari has exhibited internationally and her works have found a following amongst many discerning collectors, private and public, both here and abroad. She defines the next generation of Singapore artists, and remains a strong presence in the local and regional art scene.