Shivu Mahesh
bangaloREsident-Expanded@Basis

© Shivu Mahesh

Shivu Mahesh is a ceramist, sculptor and studio potter working out of his well-equipped studio in Bangalore. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts, majoring in ceramics from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. Ever since he laid hands on a potter’s wheel, his desire to understand the mesmerizing qualities of clay grew stronger and deeper. Conceptually, his work revolves arounds thoughts and ideas that stem due to unseen social interactions and exchanges. From recreating the psychological reasoning and functioning of a human brain to sketching out an understanding on mundane societal mannerisms. Joining dots where ever possible, resulting in convoluted yet modest consequences. His ceramic practice predominently involves elements that are made using the wheel, which are then reconstructed to form a conclusive sculpture or installation. Working on structures that are gravitationally well balanced is a challenge that he always tries to keep up. As a studio potter, his material sensibilities have paved the way for unique lifestyle products that can be cherished and used on a daily basis. Trying to bring in creative aesthetics to functional art while working keenly on design and prototyping is a quality he strives towards.

Shivu has been part of many art exhibitions held across India displaying his play with clay. He has also collectively worked with various artists and collaborated on many projects at different levels, demonstrating his artistic capabilities. Unable to access clay during the pandemic, he started exploring tools at his disposal searching for an expressive artistic outlet. Turning to 3D animation while experiencing a worldwide lockdown, opened doors for new experimental opportunities. With a moderate easing of social restrictions, he invested in 3D printing technologies that helped him convert his lockdown virtual art into physical 3D objects. Being exposed to a whole new medium, he aims to marry it with an age-old medium like ceramics.

Intended project at basis
Imagining myself living in a new environment, a constant challenge I would be facing is daily linguistic communication. Exploring a new language eventually leaves one with fresh insight on a whole new set of traditions and culture. At basis, I would like to give in myself to experience this firsthand. As someone who can speak a handful of South Indian languages, I would like to take this opportunity to add on a personal basic understanding of the German language and co-relate with known Indian languages. Highlighting various differences in script, signs and vocabulary along the way for a deep and easy understanding of the language. Recording nuances related to regular essential communication is something I sense having a stimulating potential for an interactive art project. Try to break the language barrier one step at a time by introducing and translating simple familiar words and names of daily fundamental objects like a preschool would. On the other hand, I would also like to delve into research on local residents in and around basis and record their memories, physical or virtual. Summing up how an environment changes through the years, and in turn changing the lives of the people sharing that ecosystem.