VP. Vasuhan: A Journey Through Art and Identity

Date: October 10 2024
Location: Paris (France)

A Journey Through Art and Identity

Vasuhan, a contemporary artist of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, is known for his evocative and multi-layered works that explore themes of identity, displacement, and the interconnectedness of nature and civilization.
His artistic practice encompasses a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and performance art.

Technique and Style

Vasuhan‘s technique often involves the use of mixed media, incorporating natural materials like sand, seashells, driftwood, and spices from his birthplace into his works.

These elements serve as a tangible connection to his roots and the experiences that have shaped his identity.
His paintings are characterized by rich textures, vibrant colors, and intricate details, while his sculptures often feature organic forms and symbolic imagery.

 

 

 

Art Brut

Art Brut, or « Raw Art, » refers to artwork created outside the boundaries of the traditional art world, often by self-taught artists.
Vasuhan embraces this style by expressing authentic emotions and experiences without the constraints of academic training.
His work often echoes a visceral response to his surroundings and experiences, especially relating to identity and displacement.

 

 

 

 

RICE GUARD DIVINITIES ☘️ நெல் வயல் காவல் தெய்வங்கள் 🍀 PADDY FIELD GUARDIAN DEITIES 🌺🌺 white clay, with charcoal and rice straw வெண்களிமண், கரி, வைக்கோல் white clay, with charcoal and rice straw
10 x 15 x 10 cm.

 

 

Mask

Masks in Vasuhan‘s art symbolize identity, culture, and the facades people wear in society.
They reflect themes of protection and concealment, particularly relevant for individuals who have faced trauma or loss.
His artistic representations of masks can serve to explore the complexities of personal and ethnic identity, especially within the context of the Tamil diaspora.

 

Displacement

Displacement is a recurring theme in Vasuhan’s work, often addressing the experiences of refugees and those who have been uprooted due to conflict.
Through his art, he portrays the emotional and psychological impacts of displacement, capturing feelings of loss, nostalgia, and the search for belonging.

His works may reflect the stories of Tamil refugees and their journeys.

Displacement, linked closely to the theme of displacement, the notion of the refugee plays a significant role in Vasuhan‘s narrative.

His art often highlights the struggles, resilience, and endurance of refugee populations, particularly those from Sri Lanka.

This theme resonates deeply within his community and serves to raise awareness about the challenges faced by displaced individuals.

 

VASUHAN VP – Little Talk

 

Nature Work

 

Vasuhan incorporates elements from nature into his art, using them as metaphors for growth, healing, and connection to one’s roots.

His « nature work » might explore organic materials or themes drawn from the environment, reflecting a perspective that seeks harmony with nature despite the chaos of human experiences.

 

Bois Flotté

 

​The bond between village, villagers, animals and plants.
Impressionism of the period between the period of cave paintings and the emergence of languages:
A village where people lived only with sounds like birds and animals before languages ​​were invented. Follow the reptiles, birds, animals and nature and human should feel his intuition.

Bois flotté, or driftwood, is a material often used by Vasuhan.
It is significant not just for its aesthetic value but also for its symbolism.
Driftwood represents the concept of transformation and can signify the journey of life, the passage of time, and the reclamation of beauty from remnants.
It resonates profoundly with his themes of displacement and resilience.

 

Acrylic Painting

Vasuhan often employs acrylic paints in his artwork, allowing for vibrant color usage and versatility.
His acrylics may capture intense emotional states or abstract representations that reflect his socio-political commentary.
The medium allows him to express the ephemeral nature of identity and cultural ties in an engaging way.

 

Alaveddy

Alaveddy is a town in the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka, significant to Vasuhan as it connects to his cultural and personal heritage.
His background influences his artistic narrative, and Alaveddy serves as a geographical reference point, representing home, memory, and the complexities of Tamil identity.

Jaffna

 

Jaffna is the cultural heart of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and plays a vital role in Vasuhan‘s identity and artistic expression.
His works often evoke the history, struggles, and rich cultural heritage of Jaffna, making it a focal point in his exploration of themes related to displacement and belonging.

 

Tamil Artist

 

As a Tamil artist, Vasuhan‘s work often reflects the experiences and perspectives of the Tamil community.
His identity as a Tamil shapes his artistic voice, allowing him to address themes of cultural memory, identity, and diaspora while amplifying the stories of his people through his art.

 

Artist Jaffna

 

His education at Mahajana College, Thellippalai, further nurtured his artistic talents.
However, it was after relocating to Colombo in the 1990s, due to the ethnic conflict, that Vasuhan‘s artistic horizons truly expanded.
Immersing himself in the local art scene, he explored frescoes, batik, and honed his skills in watercolor painting.

In 1996, Vasuhan moved to Cyprus to study hotel management but soon discovered his true passion lay in art.

Under the mentorship of Welsh painter and art critic Glyn Hughes, he experienced a transformative period, focusing on portraiture and figurative painting.
During this time, he organized exhibitions and became deeply engaged with Mediterranean culture, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.

 

 

The phrase « Artist Jaffna » underscores Vasuhan‘s connection to his roots

As an artist from Jaffna, he conveys the unique narratives of the region and its suffering, resilience, and cultural richness, encapsulating local stories and experiences through his creative practice.

 

 

Nicosia

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, may represent a juxtaposition in Vasuhan‘s work, especially if seen in terms of borderlands and divided communities.

His experiences in Nicosia could draw parallels to post-conflict societies and the shared narratives of division and hope, resonating with the context of his heritage and themes of displacement.

These concepts are intertwined in Vasuhan‘s works, creating a rich tapestry of cultural commentary, personal expression, and social reflection.

 

 

Kälam / Migration & Identity / VP.Vasuhan/No Face No Name

 

VP. VASUHAN Contact:

Website: https://www.vasuhan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasuhan_paris/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/vpvasuhan

 

Partners:

Art Freedom : ASSOCIATION COULEURS PAYS

Email: artfreedom1209@gmail.com

 

PATSHOW ACTIVITEES

 

Patrick Lachaud, also known as Patshow, is a multifaceted professional with a background in television journalism, radio hosting, and videography. He desired a dynamic website that would showcase his work and highlight the individuals he regularly interviews. The website includes the following key elements:

Showcase Page: An impactful page for selling event-related products.

Information Exchange Space: A platform for communication between artists and the association.

Application Form: Allows interested parties to apply.

Members Area: Shared spaces for users and a blog.

Administration System: Provides management capabilities.

Patshow’s work spans various domains, including event coordination, radio hosting, and TV presenting.
You can explore more about Patshow on his official website.
Additionally, you can find exclusive videos on his YouTube channel. His contributions extend to organizations like Kappa, Jet Tour, Costa Cruises, Euro RSCG, and the Paris City Hall.

 

Media Partners:

AI FASHION MAG

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AI FRIENDLY

Friendly Artificial Intelligence (FAI), also known as friendly AI, refers to hypothetical artificial general intelligence (AGI) that would have a positive effect on humanity.
Unlike the dystopian scenarios often portrayed in movies where robots turn against humans, FAI is designed with specific ethical considerations to prioritize human values and safety.

 

DN-A INTERNATIONAL

Daniel Nguyen is the CEO and owner of DN-Africa, a premier African fashion magazine that is revolutionizing the landscape of the African fashion industry and elevating the global fashion arena to new heights.
The magazine offers an unparalleled digital journey tailored for professionals within the fashion industry.
It curates an array of distinctive services encompassing editorial content, photography, and video resources.
The goal of DN-Africa is to provide African fashion trends through cultural and fashion events and to identify new faces and talents.
By mixing up massive and complex digital data, DN-Africa creates strategic leverage for designers who want to improve their global image on the internet faster.