Ikon presents an exhibition of new installation works by Indian artist Sheela Gowda in response to Ikon’s gallery space. Sheela says the works ‘anticipate, counter or are inspired by the space to begin with; the elements could take on other variants in other spaces’. The result is a dialogue between what the artist finds in the gallery, and ideas and observations informed by her experience of living in Bangalore.

Drawn to the meditative aspect of making by hand, the artist acknowledges local skills and craftsmanship by employing these methods herself. The pieces evoke a subtle symbolism through the poetic treatment of everyday materials.

A new work in Ikon’s exhibition sees the artist source sheets of flattened metal drums – often used to transport tree resin or oil – to recycle into ‘Bandlis’: metal bowls, used extensively in the Indian construction industry to carry concrete slurry, sand and other building materials. Each sheet is cut by hand into eight circular parts then pressed in hand-operated machines into shallow bowls. The process itself yields forms that the artist places at the centre
of her work.

The exhibition at Ikon will be accompanied by a publication, including an essay by writer and academic Anthony Downey, available from Ikon Shop for a discounted price for the duration of the exhibition.

This exhibition is part of Utsav 2017 – Birmingham’s Celebration of South Asian Culture.