Artist Statement
The work of Sakshi Kumar Lund explores themes of identity, representation, society, and gender. She gives a satirical and critical view of the excesses of consumerism within the beauty industry. She discusses how women are constantly under pressure to achieve, pursue and maintain the current standard of beauty. Since beauty standards are continually changing, women's identity is vulnerable and seeks external validation.
Sakshi primarily works with computer graphic softwares (Blender 3D, Autodesk Maya and Mesh Mixer) and 3D printing. She designs her beauty tools in Blender 3D taking inspiration from medieval and contemporary beauty tools and converting them into physical wearable sculptures. Her 3D-printed beauty tools resemble toys because of their materiality and colour. Toys are an essential element that informs her research because of their history with gender and sexuality. Her bright colour palette comments on the beauty industry's alluring quality, pulling a consumer towards them. Whereas the uncomfortable elements critique the extent to which women go in achieving the standards of beauty.
Sakshi’s work criticises the beauty industry and its advertising, highlighting women's enslavement to this unhealthy fixation.
Biography
Sakshi Kumar Lund is a visual artist from Karachi, Pakistan. She is pursuing a Master in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts London,
(University of the Arts London). She completed her BFA with distinction from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi, Pakistan
in 2020, where she was awarded the ‘Best Drawing Portfolio’ and the ‘Best Artistic Talent’.
Sakshi was selected as one of the ten funded artists across the commonwealth for ‘As We Speak’ a project conducted by Beatfreeks and Birmingham Festival 2022. Her work was displayed at Old Printworks Birmingham. She previously worked at Vasl Artists’ Association as an Assistant Project Coordinator and at Odd Bird Art as an Artist Relations Manager. She has also been a participant in Transforming Narratives’ Cultural Leadership Programme (Birmingham, Bangladesh and Pakistan) as one of the emerging artists from Pakistan. The programme was
to learn about the challenges and opportunities in leading collaborative, international, and cultural activities. Moreover, she was also a Research Consultant for the Trans-local Solidarity Network to help build a multilateral perception of homogeneity, diversity, and inclusiveness within the
arts and culture sector in South Asia.
Sakshi’s work is experimental and revolves around various mediums and artistic techniques such as painting, computer graphics, and digital art. Sakshi’s artistic acumen includes themes of identity, representation, and femininity.
Exhibitions
“Post Reality”
Online, Pakistan
March 21
Sambara Art Gallery
“The ArtFest Karachi”
Karachi, Pakistan
March 21
VM Art Gallery
Karachi, Pakistan
March 22
Old Printworks
Birmingham, United Kingdom
September 22
Cookhouse Gallery
“Wah Wah”
London, United Kingdom
November’ 22
Awards
Distinction
Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
2020
Best Drawing Portfolio
Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
2020
Best Artistic Talent
Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
2020