EMERGING ARTIST AWARD 2009 | SHREYAS KARLE

Multi-mediatic in his practice, Shreyas Karle works with formats such as  video, sculptural forms, illustrative/narrative books, collages, and collaborative community projects. His works are loaded with visual pun, often developed with reference to mundane objects or situations. Absurdity becomes a metaphor which he uses to refect upon social situations, thus creating an ambience of humour that mocks the ironies of reality. Interactivity is an integral part of his meaning making process, especially with reference to his community/collaborative projects. In an effort to resist labelling he pushes his practice in various directions, constantly camoufaging several ideas within a single work.

Karle (b. 1981) has completed his PD in Visual Arts from M.S. University of Baroda, and GD Art from L.S. Raheja School of Arts (Mumbai). He has received the KAVA award from Kashi Art Gallery and the Bodhi Art Award in 2008.

The 2009 jury included artists Anita Dube,Ranbir Kaleka, Bharti Kher, Shuddhabrata Sengupta and art historian Kavita Singh. The jury found the two winners, Hemali Bhuta and Shreyas Karle, to be strong independent practioners who also had the ability to generate a great deal of energy in their collaborative projects. The jury admired their dedication to details and the obsessive quality to their practices which drives them to constantly re-invent their language and method.