Profile
Sumeet Panigrahi
Born: 1986
Hometown: Balasore
Based in: Mumbai
Sumeet is a self-taught abstractionist, who aims to push the boundaries of understanding and imagination, by blurring the lines of ideation, imagination, and abstraction,
He primarily works with acrylic colors, and tends to employ organic ways to paint: sometimes using only his hands and fingers, and at other times, using discarded credit cards, pieces of wood and plastic amongst other tools. In his own words, what he does is 'stream of consciousness painting' at its most organic. His process involves using layers of paint, in frenzied, almost violent movements and often balancing them with sedate, gentle spreads, thus creating a cohesive world of possibilities. 'Art Brut' is the school he identifies himself with the most. His sole aim is to reach out to more people and have lifelong conversations with his audience across the world through his artworks.
Apart from abstract expressionism, Sumeet works as a full-time writer and a photographer-for-hire, primarily focussing on street and documentary style photography. He also works to spread mental health awareness.
About Sumeet Panigrahi
What inspires you?
I am largely inspired by the unknown and the process of creation itself. I don't necessarily adhere to a particular school of thought; I rather attempt to map the known through the unknown , thus creating a cohesive, unified experience that blends pop culture, psychology, and a diverse range of art forms to create something organic and personal.
Describe your creative process.
There is not much to write about. In short, it's like a exorcism, where I am possessed with something beyond me and the only way to retrace my way back is to work. Each painting thus can be described as a documentation of me grappling with the unknown. This is the reason I don't employ external tools beyond a point.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Stream Of Conscious. Organic. Free-flowing.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Hilma af Klimt, Jackson Pollock, Anselm Kiefer, Nam June Paik, Luis Bunuel, Robert Altman, David Lynch, Harmony Korine, Sigur Ros, Erik Satie, John Zorn amongst others.
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My fingers/hand. Without employing them, the intimacy diminishes significantly.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
"Listen to nobody. Refer to no one. Don't try to be anything other than what you can be at the moment."
Where do you go for inspiration?
Nowhere in particular. Inspiration occurs n its own at odd hours.