ARYAN SETHI
”THE GIFT OF INDIA”
ARTBOX FISHER LIBRARY (2022)
Aryan Sethi, The Gift of India, 2021. White raku clay, terracotta, porcelain, earthenware clay, underglazes, satin glaze, shellac. Dimensions variable. Photography by Rachel Lai.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Embracing an art form iconic to Indian art, my wheel-thrown pots aim to immerse my audience in an authentic, cultivated, and sensory experience of India - a country where significant diversity permeates culture, religion, architecture, landscape, and language. My pots retain information inherent to each respective region of the country, with manifestations of temples, landscapes and languages achieved through distinct carving and surface treatment techniques.
Aryan Sethi, The Gift of India, 2021. White raku clay, terracotta, porcelain, earthenware clay, underglazes, satin glaze, shellac. Dimensions variable. Photography by Rachel Lai.
Such variation of surface treatment is evident via a comparison of the Southern Indian vessels with the Northern Indian vessels. The diverse range of colours used on the Southern Indian vessels are representative of the mighty Sri Ranganathaswamy Hindu Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, located in India’s south. Contrastingly, the application of a satin glaze, coupled with the subtle embossment of holy Arabic Quranic inscriptions on the milky white pots, emulate the ancient rock carvings existing currently at Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s iconic tomb, Taj Mahal, situated in India's North. Hence, my audience are welcomed to draw comparisons between different regions to celebrate India as a whole and appreciate its rich heritage.
Aryan Sethi, The Gift of India, 2021. White raku clay, terracotta, porcelain, earthenware clay, underglazes, satin glaze, shellac. Dimensions variable. Photography by Rachel Lai.
England-born but equally proud of his Punjabi heritage, Aryan is driven by a strong vision of integrating sub-continental history, culture, and music within his art and within the Western world.
Verge Projects is a platform that aims to strengthen the University of Sydney community and networks through on-campus art activations. Verge Projects delivers community engaged projects led by and in collaboration with student and student groups. Stepping outside of art faculties and spaces, this program encourages inclusive and creative experiences campus wide.