KUMKUM FERNANDO: WHERE ROBOTS DANCE WITH GODS
Kumkum Fernando: A Visionary Artist Where Robots, Mythology, And Memory Converge. Fernando, Born In Sri Lanka And Now Based In Vietnam, Is An Artist Whose Work Captivates Audiences Across The Globe.
Kumkum Fernando´s Unique Art Binds Mythology, Personal Memories, And Futuristic Visions, Creating Mesmerizing Sculptures That Speak Volumes Of His Rich Cultural Heritage.
Which Way Is Home (Artwork)
I Lost My Way Again Which Way Is Home?
I Asked Myself Then Out Of Nowhere He Appeared I Know Home, He Said But First I Need To Pee
Me: Toilet Break, Really?
He: Just Give Me A Sec, I'll Be Right Back
He Left
108 Years Later He Returned
That Was The Longest Second
That Was The Longest Pee Break
Follow Me, He Said, This Way Is Home
Our discovery of Kumkum Fernando was sparked by an engaging article on Artsy, which highlighted his collaboration with the Jonathan Levine Project during last year's Miami Art Week.
An Interview At "Coolhunting" particularly blew our minds.
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Kumkum Fernando: Interview Cool Hunting
Additionally, it's worth noting that there is currently a duo exhibition featuring Fernando's work at the Jonathan LeVine Project At Fondation Winter, now open for viewing!
MIKE TOMMASIELLO
Kumkum Fernando: Available at Jonathan Levine Projects
Discovering Kumkum Fernando was truly an 'AHA' moment for us at Munchies Art Club, instantly capturing our attention. Reminded of 'Daft Punk' and the iconic film 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1953), these references ignited our curiosity and inspired us to connect with the incredibly talented artist, Kumkum Fernando."
Kumkum Fernando: Left: A 27 layered hand lacquered valley caves into Ravanas heart Right: The Papaya Eater | Dimension: H68 x W25 x D14 (cm) | Photo Wing Chan
Inspired by our exchange and the mesmerizing quality of his work, he kindly agreed to share his work with us to share with our readers, offering an in-depth view into his creative universe, showcasing the breadth and depth of his artistry.
KUMKUM FERNANDO: BRIDGING WORLDS WITH MYTHOLOGICAL ROBOTS
In the heart of Fernando's art lies a profound narrative, one that weaves together the ethereal threads of past, present, and future.
His pieces are more than mere sculptures; they are storied beings, each carrying a universe within themselves.
His debut exhibition "Temples, Gods, and Robots" at Jonathan LeVine Projects, alongside showcases at the Singapore Art Museum and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, showcases his skill in blending the realms of the familiar and the mystical.
Additionally, his work made a significant impact this year at Art India in New Delhi, marking another milestone in his journey of artistic exploration.
Kumkum Fernando: The Forgotten Lotus | Dimension: H71 x W29 x D13 (cm) Height: approx. 2 feet | Photo Wing Chan -> REBORN Poster Series | Image Courtesy of the Artist
Notably, his installations at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival, titled "The Messengers," stood as monumental testaments to his artistic vision, marrying South Asian art with Hindu mythology and retro-futurism.
Discover more about this project from the Coachella Festival 2023 through an interview with Kumkum Fernando on DesignBoom.
Kumkum Fernando -> Designboom -> Coachella 2023
Fernando’s artistry delves deep into the narrative fabric, often pairing his sculptures with poetry.
This amalgamation of visual and literary art forms not only enriches the immersive experience of his work but also invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a profoundly personal level.
FROM ANCIENT MARVELS TO ARTISTIC VISIONS: KUMKUM FERNANDO'S JOURNEY THROUGH SRI LANKA'S LEGACY
Kumkum Fernando's journey into the world of art is deeply rooted in a legacy of curiosity and wonder, inherited from his father, a collector of unique items.
From an early age, Kumkum was deeply engaged in seeking out ancient marvels and treasures, amassing stones, spoons, and statues that conveyed the rich history of Sri Lanka to his attentive listening.
The age-old culture of his birthplace permeates every aspect of his work, drawing inspiration from the detailed temple paintings and captivating folk tales that tell of gateways to a world filled with gods, giants, and demons.
With pride and reverence, Kumkum channels this heritage, seamlessly blending fine art and design with a profound appreciation for the ancient and the traditional.
Now residing in Vietnam, Kumkum and his dedicated team embark on urban treasure hunts, scouring the streets for materials that once forgotten, are reborn through their creative touch into captivating art and objects.
This alchemy of history and imagination underscores Kumkum's art, making each piece a conduit between the past's mystique and the present's innovation.
ROBOTS AND REBORN:
The "Reborn" series, a blend of traditional aesthetics and futuristic design, showcases Fernando's skill in using time-honored East Asian painting and lacquering techniques to create geometric sculptures that are both action figures and idols.
These vibrant and evocative pieces embody a blend of spirituality, mythology, and philosophy, each enriched by an accompanying poem that lends depth and context to their visual stories.
home
Kumkum Fernando -> Website
Every sculpture comes with a poem, paying tribute to the tales shared by Kumkum’s grandmother in her cherished gardens during his childhood, creating a bridge between personal heritage and artistic expression.
Kumkum Fernando: The Real Robot God | This piece incorporates traditional patterns from the French colonial and industrial Vietnamese era. The poster not only showcases the origin of each design with its specific address but also serves as an assembly guide. Comprising 160 handcrafted magnetic wooden blocks, finished with lacquer and hand silk-screened. The set includes a complimentary diagram map poster. Dimensions: 160cm in height, 51cm in width, and 25cm in thickness. | Photo by Wing Chan and Kumkum Fernando: Roha's Lady Temple | This piece features an assembly diagram/map poster adorned with traditional patterns from the French colonial and industrial Vietnamese era. The poster not only identifies the origin of each pattern with its actual address but also functions as an assembly guide. It consists of 78 handcrafted magnetic wooden blocks, each lacquered and silk-screened by hand. A free diagram map poster is included. Dimensions: 90cm in height, 30cm in width, and 16cm in thickness.
Kumkum Fernando stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the contemporary art world.
Ilo, Ilo.
This Time I Gave You A Jet Pack
So We Can Meet Much Sooner. Meet Me By The Edge Of The Milky Way.
Don’t Be Late.
The First Ilo Never Had A Jet Pack So We Couldn’t Meet As Planned. Quote From Kumkum About Ilo Galaxy
His work not only serves as a bridge connecting viewers with the rich tapestry of South Asian stories and traditions but also propels them into a future brimming with imaginative possibilities.
DIVE DEEPER INTO KUMKUM FERNANDOS WORLD AND SUPPORT THE ARTIST WITH A FOLLOW.
For those eager to explore more of Kumkum Fernando's captivating world of robots, myths, and memories, visiting his Website and following him on Instagram Are Highly Recommended.
His ongoing projects and insights into his creative process can also be seen through Jonathan LeVine Projects Or The Artsy page of the gallery.
Special thanks are extended to the collaborators and photographers Wing Chang (Instagram) and BiteStudio who have provided a closer look at Fernando's work, offering insights that are as stunning as they are accessible.
Kumkum Fernando -> Jonathan LeVine projects
