W Hotels Australia with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
W Hotels Australia with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran is a Sri-Lankan born contemporary artist represented by Sullivan+Strumpf, with Australian galleries in Melbourne and Sydney.
W Hotels in Australia partnered with Ramesh during Sydney Mardi Gras/Sydney World Pride last year.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran visits W Sydney.
(This interview has been edited for concision and clarity)
What inspires you?
As an artist, I’m fairly sensitive to the world. I am inspired by so many things! If I was to say what inspires me the most, I would assertively say thoughtful and intentional approaches to food and culture. I love learning about different cultures and histories through understanding approaches to food. Whenever I travel, the restaurant list and food culture are super important to me. The other (and obvious answer) is… I love art. It inspires me every day. The art that inspires me the most are works that are rich in their materiality while challenging conventions and inviting people to see the past, present, future and each other in radical and energized ways
What are you working on right now?
My studio is generally chaotic. But this is how I love it. I’m working on multiple projects and works at a time. I’m currently making some crazy sculptures to present at art fairs in Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney with my representative galleries Sullivan + Strumpf and Jhaveri Contemporary. I just completed a major project at Tramway in Glasgow called ‘Idols of Mud and Water’. This is my largest and most complex to date shown in their 1200 square meter gallery space. It includes a six-meter-tall sculptural fountain alongside a makeshift architectural structure that houses a range of over 100 ceramic multi-limbed fertility, guardian, protector and warrior figures. Elements of the show will tour to other venues overseas. I’m also working on some public artworks and my next big solo in Sydney.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran stands alongside his sculptures.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran stands alongside his sculptures.
What values do you share with W Hotels?
W Hotels do not shy away from anything. They are bold and expressive, yet considered and sophisticated. I’m not one for minimalism! Driving into W Melbourne is almost cinematic…you feel as if you have crossed a threshold and entered an underground, electrical space. My favorite thing about W Melbourne is definitely ‘Curious’. I love this bar! The interior is amazing. It feels lush and innovative. There is also an engaging level of drama and theatre to the bar offerings. I absolutely love the Glinda cocktail which arrives consumed in a bubble that bursts to leave a hazy smoke in its trail. I am a visual person… so more is more for me and W Hotels are definitely that!
What’s the next destination on your bucket list?
I would love to embark on some wildlife watching in Botswana. I love encountering and learning about amazing animals. They inspire my work and have been subjects of art and mythology ever since we have been able to dream and create!
Undergod installation by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran at Sullivan+Strumpf Melbourne.
Undergod installation by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran at Sullivan+Strumpf Melbourne.
“W Hotels do not shy away from anything. They are bold and expressive, yet considered and sophisticated.”
RAMESH MARIO NITHIYENDRAN
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran visits W Sydney.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran visits W Sydney.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran visits W Sydney.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran visits W Sydney.
What’s your favorite travel destination? Why?
It is such a privilege to travel and move freely through different parts of the world. I always remind myself of this when I step into a plane. My family were Tamil refugees and we moved to Western Sydney in Australia when I was 11 months old. I’m Sri-Lankan, but my favorite travel destination would have to be in India. I could literally spend months exploring the country through the context of their food cultures. Mumbai is an amazing city. It’s the home of Bollywood. It’s bustling, cosmopolitan, visual and the architecture is super interesting.
What’s your favorite thing about Melbourne?
I love so many things about Melbourne! This is controversial… but I love the weather, particularly as I prefer winter fashion. On a more serious note, the museums and galleries in Melbourne are world class. The NGV just acquired a significant work of mine from my last show at Sullivan + Strumpf in Collingwood. I always make sure to visit the NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre when I’m here. I am a fanatic for a blockbuster exhibition, but I also love quiet moments with historical objects in these spaces. ACMI also has amazing things to offer. They provide such rigor and insight into screen-based art forms. I think this is super important as screens seem almost prosthetic to us these days. My absolute favorite place to eat is Soi 38. The discreet car park turned into an open-air food court has an intense buzz and authenticity which I really enjoy.
