Vivan Sundaram

Vivan Sundaram, an eminent figure in India's artistic and political landscape, stands out as one of the nation's most prolific and influential artists. He has played a crucial role in defining and advancing the practice of installation art in the country.

Vivan Sundaram's Biography

Vivan Sundaram was born in 1943 in Shimla. His educational journey began at The Doon School, where he had the privilege of being briefly mentored by Sudhir Khastgir, an esteemed artist associated with the Bengal School of Art. Subsequently, he pursued his artistic aspirations at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He also studied at the Slade School of London (1966-1968).

During his time in London, Sundaram actively participated in the students' movement of May 1968. He helped set up a commune in London, where he resided until 1970. Upon returning to India in 1971, he collaborated with artists and student groups to organize events and protests, particularly during the challenging years of the Emergency.

Sundaram actively sought to engage with activism during his student years, and this commitment to social causes continued to grow, culminating in the establishment of the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat). In 1976, his efforts at the Kasauli Art Centre brought together some of the most significant artists, establishing pedagogical frameworks that have been crucial in shaping the understanding of contemporary art in India.

During the 1980s, his artistic endeavors displayed a distinct inclination toward figurative representations and delved into issues of identity. His creations consistently drew inspiration from social dilemmas, popular culture, problems of perception, memory, and history. 

Vivan Sundaram created artworks in various mediums, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, installation, photography, and video. Notably, Sundaram was at the forefront of Indian artists embracing the concept of installation art. In his later works, both installations and videos, he frequently paid homage to his artistic influences, which encompassed movements such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Fluxus, along with the impactful works of Joseph Beuys. 

Sundaram's artistic prowess has garnered recognition worldwide, as evidenced by his participation in various Biennials, including those in Kochi (2012), Sydney (2008), Seville (2006), Taipei (2006), Sharjah (2005), Shanghai (2004), Havana (1997), Johannesburg (1997), and Kwangju (1997). Additionally, his works have been showcased in several important exhibitions, featured in esteemed institutions such as Tate Modern in London, the International Centre for Photography in New York, Queens Museum, Mori Museum in Tokyo, Haus der Kunst in Munich, Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation in Vienna, ZKM in Karlsruhe, Chicago Cultural Centre in Chicago, and Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, among many others.

Vivan Sundaram died in 2023 at the age of 79.