Indie multimedia artist, Subhash, displays as many vibrant arms as his latest arty exhibition, Marvel at my World, which showcases the many dynamic heroes who have influenced, quite literally, the choreography of the creator’s life. In one series, for example, you can spy Spiderman curiously glancing at a cheekily rendered Krishna while another displays the living dancing gurus who have helped shape Subhash professionally throughout his career; each appearing a unique protagonist, celebrating the diverse strength of contemporary being.
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“Many of my drawings were digitally designed on an I-pad while others are done in the style of the iconic artist Andy Warhol. There are also comic collages in the style of the Seventies and eighties as well as sculptures made of resin.” Subhash first made his colourful mark as a modern fusion dancer who went on to establish his own dance company: Morph Dance. Now, venturing into the new visual terrain of drawing, he extends the emotive concept he has explored through corporeal movement to another frontier: “To me, the Hindu Gods and Goddesses were always superheroes. I particularly related to Shiva, who seemed to be this cool character via the way he carried himself: this informed my personal narrative, helping me better understand the self. Over lockdown, like many others, I suddenly found myself jobless and confined by four walls. It was a chance to spend time with my son and teach him about Hindu mythology. I started to doodle Marvel heroes alongside the deities of Indian religion to introduce him to the latter and he really loved it!”
Here, Subhash emphasised that there are already several notable similarities between western superheroes and the spirituality of Indian cultural tradition whereby translating this truth into the accessible form of illustrative storytelling only seemed the next logical step: “both types of heroes are superhuman, fighting good over evil and represent a positive proactive outlook on life, encouraging one to be a good person. The parallels are even specific. If you compare Ganesh and Dr Strange, for example, they are both removers of obstacles.” More than inviting us into his universe then, Subhash jumps playfully into universality itself, allowing others to immerse themselves this boundless way too. “From a young age, I have always loved drawing and design. However, it wasn’t because I was really gifted but rather the excitement of the process. When we are little, our imaginations can run wild. A child can reimagine a cardboard box as something so much bigger. I wanted to encapsulate that feeling.”
Indeed, this continues to be an asset well into adulthood! The gleeful exaggeration that reflects this is evident throughout Subhash’s exhibit: “I’ve redrawn popular weapons as huge. The Goddess, Durga, is portrayed as if she is Wonder Woman: she looks Amazonian, wielding a shield with a lion and riding a tiger that is four times the size. It is a bit of a deviation from the older idea of passive femininity. Generally, I’ve enjoyed reinventing beloved characters in a way that is loud, colourful and fun.” Not only does Subhash’s graphic ode salute the collective desire for inspiring role models but at once the infinite wealth of creativity that dwells within us all. The showcase launches at Leicester Gallery (DeMontfort University) on 10th July and runs until 26th August. Gallery opening times: Monday-Saturday 12pm-5pm, Sunday-closed.
Tell us a bit more about this exhibit and what it was inspired by?
Basically, my aim in life was to become an artist in some form but I never really took to academia. I studied multimedia design but was racially attacked in 2002 and lost the will to continue and had no choice but to leave university. I ended up stacking shelves for a bit before coming across dance classes as a joke and before I knew it that had become my career. By returning to drawings recently, I have come full circle: Andy Warhol was the last artist I studied before I dropped out earlier.
How do you feel you have evolved as a visual artist over the years?
As artists, we are constantly changing and evolving organically. You just explore the avenues that open along the way. It is exciting to explore and not always know the answer ahead.
What else drew you to drawing and design?
The positivity and encouragement that you can evoke is just as important as the technical skill and excitement. I love being able to be a positive role model who can fuel confidence and focus on what one can do rather than what they cannot.
What are your favourite pieces in this exhibit?
The Marvel and Hindu Gods and Goddesses series is fun. It took so long and was worth the investment. There is one big piece with four female goddesses in the style of Indian Avengers!
Photo credit: Angela Grabowska
