The World Reimagined, 2022

The World Reimagined at its core, is built on the belief in the transformative power of art: to inspire, to move and to open our imagination to new possibilities. It is a national artistic learning program involving over 200 schools across the country and taking action with the people, organisations & communities doing the work of making racial justice a reality.

theworldreimagined.org

In 2022, I was delighted my entry for designing a globe for The World Reimagined was selected. This project gave me the opportunity of working in a communal studio in South London with a wonderful group of local and international artists and with a small but highly efficient team of organisers. The studio was filled with support, friendship and inspiring and uplifting conversations. 

I chose the theme Reimagine The Future because I feel the world has become too fragmented and our differences too deep-rooted. It feels that it is time to press the reset button and to celebrate our diversity and work on potential possibilities through creative collaborations. History has shaped each of our lives - experiences have shown that the ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ approach only deepens and worsens these divisions and harms. What is instead possible is channelling our energies into more positively shaping the future. 

Work in progress, Croydon Studio

In my depiction of a Reimagined Future, the globe is represented through the course of a complete day, from dawn to nightfall, narrating the ups and downs that every individual encounters on their journey. In this reimagined world, each person is more grounded, clear thinking and wise. The figures are illustrated with a stroke of acrylic paint suggested by rapid brush marks, forming crowds of people from every nationality, religion, colour, age and gender. The images of individuals are silhouetted against the bright light they hold within that supports each one to be kind, considerate, compassionate and tolerant towards themselves and to those around them, leading to a radiance that dissolves any intolerance to differences. The luminosity of each mind sets the globe aglow, restoring the oneness of spirit as global citizens. 


The World Reimagined launch at Westminster Abbey on August 11, 2022

After the launch of the The World Reimagined at Westminister Abbey, the 103 globes went their separate ways to become part of 10 art trails in 7 host cities around the country, helping people travel through this Journey of Discovery. My globe was at Max Roach Park and part of the Southwark - Lambeth Art trail for three months until October 2022. You can read about all the artists on this trail at here

Illuminate, Max Roach Park, Southwark - Lambeth Art Trail

This culminated in all 103 globes being reunited at Trafalgar Square for a weekend in November 2022! It was moving to hear once more individual stories come together to  raise awareness for racial justice and to strengthen our belief in the transformative power of art - to inspire, to move and to open our imagination to new possibilities 

The World Reimagined, Trafalgar Square, London, 2022

Photo credit: TF Chan

In February 2023, it was exciting to discover that my globe Illuminate is now at the Prince’s Trust International. It was moving to see it in its new home and hear of the continued conversation and inspiration it brings. 

Illuminate, Prince’s Trust International, Dorfman Centre, London

I MATTER EXHIBITION, WELLS MALTINGS, NORWICH, 2022

An exhibition of the work of 27 artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and communities, curated by Olu Taiwo, Black artist and participant in the Babylon Arts Young Curators Programme in 2020/21.

The exhibition was a mixture of new and existing artworks in various mediums including sculpture, photography, painting, poetry and digital art, showcasing works that connect to the importance of diversity as it relates to local traditions, customs, crafts or stories and portrays the skills and creativity of artists – all responding to the powerful declaration “I Matter”.

Source:: https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/exhibitions/i-matter-exhibition/

AUCTION OF PAINTING: IN SEARCH OF HOPE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL, LONDON, 2022

In early March 2022, like most of us, I was very shocked to see painful images of war and destruction. As a way to show support, I offered a small oil painting ‘In search of hope’ to the highest bidder by 13/3/22 with all proceeds  evenly split between the Disaster Emergency Committee and the UN Refugee Agency, in aid of the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. 

I was very pleased that I received two top bids of £500. Rather than these two people bid against each other for the same painting, I decided to make a second painting: In search of hope II. I was therefore able to offer two paintings each for £500. I’m pleased to say that together, this raised a total of £1,125 including gift aid for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.  

I want to thank you all for your generous bids and support. This would not have been possible without your participation. When I initiated the auction, all I had in mind was to be able to raise a small amount of money for the people of Ukraine but on hearing from one of the winning bidders, I also became aware of how such experiences can extend across lifetimes. Reading her family story of displacement, loss, grief and desperation over a century ago highlighted that history is made up of individual stories which have longstanding impacts. Hearing about her grandparents and their children’s lives and imagining what suffering they would have gone through after war and for her now as their descendant to be able to support people going through that same pain, was very inspiring! I was humbled to learn that the paining In search of  hope I  had  been placed alongside her  family treasures and memories. A full circle!

ART FOR YOUTH AT MALL GALLERIES, LONDON, 2021

Art for Youth London was established in 1988 by Diana Brooks MBE as a platform for emerging artists and a fundraising exhibition in support of the UK Charity, UK Youth. 

This annual art exhibition has raised over £1.6 million enabling UK Youth to support a network of 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners, collectively reaching 4.1 million young people, many of whom are living in deprived areas or facing personal barriers.


I MATTER EXHIBITION, PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, PETERBOROUGH, 2021

Curated by Olu Taiwom I matter is formed of work created by artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and communities. The exhibition responds to the powerful declaration, ‘I Matter’ and its recent complex iterations.

The exhibition featured artworks in various mediums including paintings, photography, sculptures digital arts and poetry.

I matter was a touring show developed as part of Babylon Arts Young Curators programme.

I MATTER EXHIBITION CURATED BY OLU TAIWO, BABYLON GALLERY, ELY, 2021

Curated by Babylon Young Curator Olu Taiwo, the exhibition will be formed of work created by artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and communities. Their work responds to the powerful declaration, ‘I Matter’ and its recent complex iterations. 

Following an open call, Olu selected 15 artists to showcase their work, they are:

  • Anthony Shintai

  • Eddie Saint-Jean

  • Jaffar Aly

  • James Chen-Wishart

  • Jay Morally

  • Kinnari Saraiya

  • Manuel Hechavarria

  • Parham Ghalamdar

  • Rayhan Miah

  • Roy Joseph Butler

  • Sepideh Sadrai

  • Suchi Chidambaram

  • Suman Gujral

  • Teakster

  • Thomas Soyemi

Olu Taiwo is currently taking part in the Babylon Young Curators Programme; a year-long professional development opportunity for young people aged 18 – 25.  As a Babylon Young Curator, Olu is presenting an exhibition called ‘I Matter’ at Babylon Gallery in Ely, from 28 May to 13 June.

Babylon Gallery's opening times have been extended to Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm for the duration of the I Matter exhibition.

PORTRAITS OF NHS HEROES, 2020

In March 2020, Artist Tom Croft started this wonderful initiative on Instagram #portraitsfornhsheroes, where artists paint a free portrait of a key NHS worker. I have painted a free portrait of Jade, a rehabilitation assistant at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary within the Acute Therapy Team. She works alongside occupational therapists and physiotherapists on the frontline and on the wards. She has been working on a mixture of Covid and non Covid wards and helping out the respiratory physios on ICU. The aim of her job is to assess patients mobility and transfers and ensure this is the same as their baseline prior to discharge. Many a time, they see patients for a while during their stay at hospital as they become very deconditioned.

Jade says about work: My days at work have been tough at the moment. However, it’s lovely to still be seeing all my work family as I love them to pieces!

‘BOUNDARIES’: CHARITY POSTCARD AUCTION, LONDON, 2019

The notion of boundaries, whether physical or mental, define how we behave and interact within a space. This is especially evident when it comes to our homes, where we mark our territory with anything from iron gates to garden hedges. Yet there are 170,000 people in London who don’t have a safe, secure and stable place to call their own. And as the housing crisis deepens, more and more people are being forced into temporary accommodation or onto the streets.

In partnership with Shelter, Levitt Bernstein – a creative practice of architects, urban designers and landscape architects – are organising an auction as part of the London Festival of Architecture to raise awareness and money to help tackle homelessness. Featuring pieces from the city’s famous faces, creative industries and those who have lived experience of homelessness, it will paint a picture of how we experience boundaries in our everyday lives.

Following an introduction from Shelter, guests will be invited to bid on the artworks in both a silent and live auction, led by actor and comedian David Schneider. All lots will be sold anonymously, so that bidders don’t know whether they’re getting a 'Banksy' or a 'Bloggs'!

The full list of participating artists is as follows:

Jane Ackroyd, Paul Augarde and Danny Tompkins, Deombaca-Badjana Balde, Barnaby Barford, Lorenzo Belenguer, Hanna Benihoud, Tony Bevan, Ben Blossom, Lee Bofkin, Dinah Bornat, Teresa Borsuk, Sally Bradforth, Michael Brennand-Wood, Suchi Chidambaram, Nick Clark, The Connor Brothers, Fearne Cotton, Tim Crocker, Ted Cullinan, Fred Cuming, Neil Deely, Miranda Donovan, James Lee Duffy, Amro Elbih, Max Fordham, Peter Freeman, Chloe Fremantle Blegvad, Christine Gallant, Juliet Goodden, Nina Goodyer, Mariana Gordan, Kim Grahame, Gillian Harrison, Ron Haselden, Susanna Heron, Ivan Hugo, Charline Jacobs, Claire James, Jaykoe, Quentin Jones, Amandeep Kalra, Roddy Langmuir, Honey Lloyd, Jane Lloyd, Ellie Marcus, Andy Matthews, Jock McFadyen, Nina McCafferty, Jack Mears, Charlotte Millbank, Chris Millbank, Sadie Morgan, Mali Morris, Sandy Morrison, Farshid Moussavi, Peter Murray, Polly Neate, Sabi North, David Pearce, Stephen Proctor, Andy Puncher, Sue Ridge, Blanc Sceol, Sophia Ward, Orlando Weeks, Lucietta Williams, Leah Wood, Patricia Woodward, Melissa Woolford.

With thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible: Southern Grove, Future Generation, Bristow Johnson, BuroHappold Engineering, Buzzacott, Cantor Developments, Civic Engineers, Conisbee, Curtins, Delvendahl Martin, Ellis + Moore, Greengage, make:good, Max Fordham, Metropolitan & Suburban, Peter Brett Associates and Price & Myers.

Source:: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/boundaries-charity-postcard-art-auction-tickets-59943208751

AN EVENING OF ART BY SUCHI CHIDAMBARAM IN AID OF MAD 4 AFRICA, LONDON, 2019

I was introduced to Make a Difference (MAD) 4 Africa, a small UK charity, run exclusively by enthusiastic volunteers. They work with sustainable, grassroots projects across East and Central Africa, with a particular focus on Southern Province, Rwanda where their story first began in 2009. Their  focus is on education and the provision of physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in rural areas. Their ASFA  Physiotherapy centre project was launched in September 2014 with a vision to provide sustainable inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy treatment and  rehabilitation services. Early intervention to facilitate independence and maximise function is key to everything they do to fully realise each one of their patient’s potential. They work to support and encourage social inclusion of all patients and their families. After much work, the physiotherapy clinic is up and running and impactful. The next stage is to deliver a building fit for purpose so the clinic can be accredited to local healthcare authorities and become  sustainable. There is much work to do but they believe that by working together, we can make a difference.

We will have a short presentation on their progress so far and future plans on the day. 

This Exhibition will include specially created works on Muganza, Rwanda along with some of my new paintings. 15% of all painting sales will be donated to their project. 

 

A TALE OF TWO SOUTHWARKS, LONDON, 2018

A Tale of Two Southwarks is an exhibition of oil paintings, photographs and mixed media works by Suchi Chidambaram and John Pheasant.

Southwark's 'two cities' - its glittering redevelopments with their thriving business sector on the one hand and the pockets of poverty and deprivation on the other - are well documented. The inspiration for the exhibition is the incisive report, 'A Tale of Two Southwarks, A needs analysis of the London Borough of Southwark, to which Roast's Founder, Iqbal Wahhab, referred Suchi early in 2017.

‘Southwark is a product both of its rich history and a modern makeover.' In forging its future, exclusion and isolation are seen as dangers, whilst 'those most likely to feel a high sense of satisfaction are those who feel they belong to their neighbourhood'.

Inspired by the borough's diversity, contrasts and challenges, Suchi, an oil painter, and John, a photographer, set out to capture the two Southwarks visually for an exhibition specically designed for the space in Roast in Borough Market. Their ambition is to encourage visitors to Roast to reect on the borough's diversity and contrasts, to engage with its challenges and, hopefully, to be part of the solution and to oer support to Southwark Giving.

CHALLENGING PERSPECTIVES: AN EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND MIXED MEDIA ,LONDON, 2017

The exhibition presents photographs by John Pheasant, oils paintings by Suchi Chidambaram, and jointly produced mixed media works which combine photography and oil painting to create a single image.  The exhibited works, both figurative and abstract, are of India, London and Italy, places to which Suchi and John both have strong attachments. 

Suchi is a painter who was born and raised in southern India and now lives and works in London. Fascinated by perspective and initially self-taught, Suchi’s interpretations of urban landscapes are typically not painted in situ but from memory: fragments of visual data mingling with subjective, emotional responses.  Suchi’s urban landscape series, both figurative and abstract, narrates her experiences of places and people.

John is a photographer with a particular interest in land- and cityscapes and portraits. John relishes the technical and artistic challenge of using only natural light, often in testing conditions (for example in rural Rajasthan where he works with a local NGO, Seva Mandir), to capture his experiences of the places he visits and the people he meets. 

Mixed media (Suchi and John work with a variety of surfaces: fine art paper, canvas, metallic bases like aluminium and dibond) creates exciting opportunities to combine contrasting approaches and styles: traditionally, the approaches of photographer and painter are very different as are their techniques for capturing light. The blending together of these approaches and techniques creates a new dynamic which draws the viewer into the image and challenges the imagination. 

There’s a Good Immigrant, curated by Jo Wallace, Publicis, London, 2017

There's a Good Immigrant, a thought-provoking exhibition, curated by Jo Wallace, who is a creative director and founder of Good Girls Eat Dinner. She also created the exhibition ‘There’s a Good Girl’. The exhibition celebrated the creativity and diverse perspectives that migrants bring to British culture and the creative industries. The show featured an array of artistic media, showcasing artists who are migrants themselves, second-generation migrants, or whose work encourages reflections on migration. The contributors: Ildikó Buckley & Jane Palmer, Dave Buonaguidi, Suchi Chidambaram, Inua Ellams, Alison Jackson, Hormazd Narielwalla, Keith Piper, Sara Pope, Jaspreet Sangha, Sara Shamsavari, Bob & Roberta Smith and Abbas Zahedi. An animated, virtual reality piece by Aardman will also be on display.

The exhibition joined and further promoted the debate around the importance of diversity in advertising and beyond. It also raised £2.5k for the arts charity Iniva (Institute of International Visual Arts), a visual arts organisation dedicated to developing an artistic programme to challenge conventional notions of diversity and difference.

To watch a short documented film of the exhibition, click here

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, CA'ZANARDI, VENICE, ITALY, 2017

A romantic idea...
It's wonderful thought to go to Venice to paint. One of the most beautiful cities, that is not short of inspiration. The setting: Ca'Zarnardi, a 16th century palazzo in Venice that is run by Misty and Andrea Chinellato and their wonderful team (that work like a family, I later learnt). 
Initially it was daunting, I have to admit. The expectations (from oneself mostly) to deliver a painting inspired by the theme: 'Personal Utopia' by the end of the week and without the comforts of a familiar studio were agonising at first. It seemed like no grand Venetian palazzo could be a substitute for my intimate albeit grubby Acton studio.

How wrong I was...
The wonderful people at Ca' Zarnadi who are so willing to help and have a 'no problem' attitude to almost any request certainly eased me. A trip to Bebo, the art store in Castello with William Herod, the Art Director at Venice Art House brought back the familiar: canvas, brushes, ground pigments and palette knives ( all of great quality, made in Italy!). Then a trip with Veronica Comisso and the other artists to Venice Art House House, the gallery space where our 'potential' painting would go on exhibit made it possible to see a little bit further.

As I eased into the painting, I found there were a lot of similarities to the time I had spent as a child in my grandparents' home in Chettinad, a village in south India. It was certainly the large space, the light, and a feeling of 'all the time in the world' to paint and be creative. There were some intense periods of painting and very welcome interruptions at breakfast and lunch to sit around a table of artists over food loving prepared by Jean Pierre and Mari Be.

The painting slowly took shape and has been well documented by William Herod that I have posted here. This will be exhibited at Venice Art House later this year during the Venice Biennale. 

Artist in residence at Venice Art House, 2016, film by William Herrod





VIVIDH: MULTIPLE EXPRESSIONS OF INDIAN ART, ASIA HOUSE, London, 2016

Vividh as the name suggests was an exhibition of artworks by a group of artists from across India, genres, and schools of art that makes Visual Art UK’s annual show. This show presents a diverse range of artistic expressions, focussing on a comprehensive overview of Indian art over the last few decades. This annual exhibition provides an opportunity to see works by the legends of Indian art such as MF Hussain, FN Souza, Jamini Roy and J Swaminathan sit side by side with the works of emerging artists.

LONDON MORGAN HOST SUCHI CHIDAMBARAM EXHIBITION AT SW7 SHOWROOM, London, 2016

I felt very encouraged by the fact that the spirit of a community working together is still very possible in Central London today! London Morgan, the official dealership for the country's last independent family-owned car manufacturer, the Morgan Motor Company,  exhibited my work in their showroom which is based in a cobbled mews in South Kensington, that is shares with other residents and businesses.

I realised that the process behind the making of these effortlessly stylish cars rhymed with what I did at the studio - a very traditional method of hand crafted car building with a contemporary finish, like the use of age old oil paints to create contemporary artwork, as in my case. I also realised the importance of cities to these cars as to my inspiration for work. It was wonderful that we could take these connections further to bring about this exhibition!

INDIA NOW, LONDON, 2007

India Now was a three-month season that  celebrated Indian culture in London, that  opened in July 2007.  'India' was the theme of the annual cultural arts festival that takes place in Trafalgar Square each August. A wide range of London's organizations and attractions across the capital contributed to the season, including the National Film Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum, the South Bank and Barbican Centres, Watermans, Thames Festival, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Akademi.

For the launch of the festival, a replica of the Taj Mahal was built to float down the Thames,  giving people in all locations the chance to take part and celebrate. The replica of the Taj Mahal was built  by Bijon Das Gupta and I had the opportunity to paint the plinth on which the Taj rested. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/07/25/india_now_plinth_art_feature.shtml