Art Dubai 2023
Sifr or Shoonya as zero is called in the East, is translated as emptiness in English language. In that sense, the word suggests an absence of something that was supposed to be there - a place holder for nothing. Going beyond its factual definition, nothingness can be viewed either as absence or as limitless presence. In this limitless presence, that goes beyond perceived dimensions, lay infinite probabilities. The idea of non-duality is investigated in making these works - particularly the idea of 'not two ness' between space and form that exist within and outside each other in equal fervor. Various cultural, philosophical, scientific, and personal references make the rendering of these works deeply subjective and readily open ended at the same time.
In Kumar's compositions, grains of fine yellow earth pigment are sedimented in thin delicate layers, over approximately 15,000 cones made by hand, by rotating matter in a circular motion resembling movement of a whirling dervish. Medium runs as a common reed through all works, constantly exploring the relationship between the object and its essence - possibility of its being and its current reality. Every panel has one missing cone which is marked by a succinct blank space, perception of which rests in the investigations of the viewer.
