Exploring the Creative Vision of KumKum Fernando's Robotic Masterpieces

Exploring the Creative Vision of KumKum Fernando's Robotic Masterpieces

Introduction

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Last year, I had the pleasure of attending Volta New York 2022, a renowned art fair with a reputation for showcasing some of the most innovative and forward thinking art pieces. Established as a collaboration between dealers and their friends in Art Basel, Volta has since become a go-to fair for galleries and artists alike. One artist that particularly stood out to me was Kumkum Fernando, whose exhibit "Reborn" was represented by Jonathan Levine Projects. His mesmerizing body of work draws inspiration from futuristic robots, flying contraptions, and mystical beings. 

Artist and Inspiration 

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Kumkum is a Sri Lankan-born artist and collector, who has developed an impressive collection of antiques, stones, spoons, statues, masks and other treasures. His art is inspired by the ornate temple paintings of gods, giants and demons of Ancient Sri Lankan culture. He and his team travel the streets of Vietnam, in search of materials, patterns, colors, and shapes to use as art objects. Kumkum's "Reborn" series is a combination of traditional aesthetics, geometric sculptures and time-honored lacquering techniques; creating action figures and statues that evoke an otherworldly mood. 

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Kumkum's sculptures, which has been featured in many prestigious institutions and publications, is a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother and the memories they shared in her garden. Each sculpture is accompanied by a poem that captures the sentimentality of the sculptures, and the love between Kumkum and his grandmother. The series has been showcased at the Singapore Art Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, and has been featured in publications such as Hypebeast and Designboom. 

Reborn Favorites 

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the show. It was a unique opportunity to sit with the art and to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship behind every piece. The posters included in the exhibition are vibrant and eye-catching, and feature unique designs and colors. 

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Conclusion

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This collection of wooden sculptures is truly remarkable. The craftsmanship of the carvings is evident in each piece, and the lacquering has been done to perfection. The vibrant colors on some of the sculptures provide a delightful contrast to the sleek, dark iridescent textures of others, which are reminiscent of the robot toys of the 1950s. The attention to detail and the variety of textures, colors, and shapes make "Reborn" a standout. It is a testament to KumKum's skill as an artist. The beauty of this collection will surely be appreciated for ages to come.  

 

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