UNMAKING
I currently make large scale knitted sculptures informed by my British Indian heritage, both in terms of their abstract subject matter and concept. This body of work is called Close-knit Circle, a series of vibrant hand knitted participatory based pieces. The investment of time, dedication and skilled craftsmanship to my practice is evident and made more palpable to a responding interacting audience.

I see the works as ‘offerings’ to the public, where the audience is given an open invitation to directly approach and engage, to physically handle and unravel the sculptures. As the work is unmade process, ephemerality, transience and change become central aspects of my work. By offering up my carefully constructed work to a responding audience to unmake I aim to produce socially collaborative interactive art within the boundary of the gallery space.

The large abstract forms are gradually reduced as the unravelling is passed hand to hand, transforming into an expanded ball of yarn. This seemingly act of sabotage is about reconfiguration as something new is created and emotions are at play in this gesture of quiet rebellion. This unmaking process challenges current art practices of preservation and commodification of the art work. Equally, it references familiar traditional Indian ritual art practices where transitory art is made with the intention of being destroyed as part of community, cultural or religious events.

What is most important is direct experience of the work where interaction free of any expectations brings the work to life. This enhancement of the interplay between sculptural form, people and gallery space aims to vitalise the works and enrich the gallery audience experience.