ABUL HISHAM
ARTIST STATEMENT
My body of work explores profound notions of desire, power, ritual, and memory, all intricately
intertwined with the social and cultural spaces I inhabit. As an artist, I am deeply concerned about my
role as an observer within these contexts. My motivation stems from the ever-evolving socio-political
cultural climate and personal narratives that inspire and shape my creative journey. To illuminate these
concepts, I occasionally employ personal mythology as a potent tool for introspection and revelation.
Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of sources, including cinema and pop culture, art history,
mythology, and religion, my works become a multi-layered exploration of meaning and symbolism. I
take pleasure in allowing viewers to unravel numerous metaphors and symbols for themselves, be they
mythological, religious, political, media-driven, or deeply personal.
My fascination with existential themes finds a medium of expression in powdered pigments, a medium I
have been utilised for the past decade. Working with powdered pigments feels akin to sculpting from
dust, a powerful metaphor that resonates with Christian and Islamic beliefs, which propose that humans
were created from dust and return to it after death. Furthermore, some pigments I employ are made
from mined minerals, carrying within them the essence of creation and transformation over countless
millennia.
In addition to my explorations in the two-dimensional realm, I am delving into sculptural installations
that address the notions of memory and an inner space that may hold connections to the idea of Self.
Through these multidimensional works, I strive to evoke contemplation and introspection in viewers,
fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and individual journeys.
As an artist, I see myself as a conduit between the seen and the unseen, translating complex emotions
and ideas into tangible forms that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. My artistic practice is an
ongoing voyage of self-discovery and understanding, a journey I invite others to embark upon alongside
me, exploring the depths of desire, power, ritual, and memory that shape our collective consciousness.
BIO
Abul Hisham.K.H, born in India in 1987, stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in the contemporary art world. Renowned for his boundary-pushing approach to painting and installations, Hisham's journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Government College of Fine Arts in Thrissur in 2010, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from the SN School of Fine Arts at the University of Hyderabad in 2012.
His relentless pursuit of artistic excellence led him to prestigious institutions such as the Rijksakademie Van beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam and the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, where he further honed his craft during residencies in 2021-23.
Hisham's artistic prowess is not confined by geographical boundaries. His solo exhibitions, including the acclaimed "Seers and Seekers'' at Marc Jancou Contemporary in Switzerland (2023) and "Recitation" at Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke in Mumbai (2019), have captivated audiences worldwide. Most recently, his solo project at Art Dubai, presented by SECCI Gallery in Italy (2024), showcased his continued evolution as an artist.
His participation in group exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Museum Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam, the Dordrecht Museum in the Netherlands, and the Drawing Centre in Diepenheim (2024) highlights the breadth of his influence in the art community.
Hisham's contributions to the art world have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of prestigious awards, including the De Scheffer Prize from the Dordrecht Museum, a nomination for the Royal Painting Prize in 2022, and the esteemed Inlaks Fine Arts Award.
Through his work, Hisham delves into themes of introspection and societal commentary, offering poignant reflections on the human experience. His ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion has earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his place as a luminary in the contemporary art scene.
Broken path
Acrylic and casting powder on wood,
450 X 15 X 5 cm, 2024
Courtesy the artist and Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai
The work is a part of a series the artist has been developing over the past few years. These paintings depict crowds on an elongated, narrow vertical plane, painted on wood. The crowded scenes pulsate with life, inviting viewers to engage with the whimsical interplay of figures and emotions. There is a sense of spontaneity and lightness, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The essence of playfulness permeates throughout this series. For the artist, repetition itself embodies an act of play: “I am delighted in painting people repeatedly, each with their own unique emotions, stories, feelings, and desires, as they traverse a confined path in anticipation of fulfillment. We feel intended to ask who are those people, what are their stories, where are they going?!