Image: Ajay Jaiman
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Vivan Sundaram, a towering figure in the Indian art world. Vivan passed away at 9.20 am on March 29th, 2023 at the age of 79, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy that will continue to inspire artists and audiences alike for generations to come.
Vivan was an artist who defied categorisation. He was a painter, a sculptor, an installation artist, and a pioneer of video art, among other things. But more than that, he was a visionary whose work was grounded in a deep commitment to social justice and the struggle for a better world.
Throughout his life, Vivan used his art to bear witness to the injustices of the world around him. His work was a powerful testament to the resilience and dignity of the marginalized and oppressed, and a searing indictment of the structures of power that perpetuate their suffering.
At the same time, Vivan was a deeply generous and compassionate human being. He was a mentor and friend to countless artists and activists, and his spirit of solidarity and camaraderie touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Sundaram’s contributions to the Indian art scene are immeasurable. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including the Padma Shri in 2012. He was also a respected educator, having taught at institutions such as the Delhi College of Art and the School of Art and Aesthetics at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
As we bid farewell to Vivan, we do so with both sadness and gratitude. We are saddened by the loss of a great artist, a great teacher, and a great friend. But we are also grateful for the gift of his art and his presence in our lives. He leaves behind a legacy of beauty, truth, and justice that will continue to inspire us in the years to come. Rest in peace, Vivan. You will be deeply missed.
Adious friend inspiration guide and so much more! SAHMAT has lost a guiding star and me a dear dear friend! Partner wife dearest friend Geeta Kapoor tightest hugs! Vivan Vivan Vivan.. Vivan Sundaram the artist fighter friend! Create tremors wherever you are! pic.twitter.com/KtCztON1Vp
— Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) March 29, 2023