Hyderabad-based artist Dia Mehhta Bhupal on her first solo exhibition in Mumbai this year

15 Jan 2019

Hyderabad-based artist Dia Mehhta Bhupal banishes the banal with her unique approach towards redefining ordinary spaces through her art. In her first solo exhibition in Mumbai called Watch This Space, she seamlessly fuses architecture, craft and photography in a larger-than-life set display which has been handcrafted by Bhupal using finely-rolled magazine sheets – a waiting room, a cinema hall, a play area, a public toilet, which after after a year of transitional build which is then photographed – slowly leaking in the light. Here’s what she has to say about her upcoming show:Tell us more about the solo exhibition that you are presenting, how did the concept come about?

Dia: Watch This Space depicts the mundane experiences, day after day, that build our character and develops our personality. My body of work is a reflective process, capturing energy in the transition from one experience to another. It is my personal belief that these veiled experiences are most profound. As an artist I work with the ‘constructed image’ primarily public spaces, cornering you to a contemplative experience limiting us to observe, reflect and experience the basic realities.What was the thought behind using newspapers and magazines to build set-ups and what was the design process like?

Dia: Although it may seem mundane, the mundane is our day to day. For me, it’s really the small things that build up to each day… it is all connected. And my practice works in the same way – with each tile, each pattern, is designed to precision. I am building towards the everyday. I spend a lot of time thinking about what the image will be and yet, a lot of stuff happens by accident and as much as I plan there is still so much that I can’t control.What would you want the viewers to take home?

Dia: There are so many layers to the work – where you think it is – what it is, and everyone reacts to it differently. That gives me a lot of satisfaction, knowing that that difference exists. There is a lot beyond what one can see…What is the evolution of your art along these years?

Dia: There has been so much I don’t know where to begin… An international artist that inspires you

Dia: Marina Abramovic An Indian artist that inspires you

Dia: Sudarshan Shetty

Watch This Space by Dia Mehhta Bhupal will be on display at Pundoles from 16 January to 13 February 2019

Address: Pundoles, 8 J.N. Heredia Marg, Hamilton House, Ballard Estate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400038

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