b. (1983)
Kumaresan Selvaraj is a visual artist based in Chennai. Selvaraj graduated from Madras University, Government College of Arts, and has exhibited at multiple galleries including Exhibit 320, Gallery Veda, Lalit Kala Akademi, Jehangir Art Gallery, and Khoj.
Selvaraj’s approach is modernist in nature, incorporating local and regional elements to create what he terms a ‘national modernism’. His use of different kinds of paper, in layered forms, represents various facets of human existence. He arranges multiple colors of paper into tightly compressed layers. The sculptural arrangements almost always appear to be on the brink of overflowing and as a result imbued with dynamic energy. The work opens itself to multiple different interpretations with no singular approach being dominant. He also creates sculptures in wood and cement. While reflecting on his choice of medium, he explained that each work demands a different set of materials based on the ideology and theme, and as a result, he tried to explore a large variety of mediums employing them in unconventional forms.
Selvaraj draws inspiration from a variety of modern art movements including post-impressionism, abstract expressionism, and minimalism in style and technique. His work is also reminiscent of the methodology of A.P. Santhanaraj and Jason Martin.