Sumakshi Singh's Ethereal Memorials at Venice Biennale
Artist Sumakshi Singh, based in New Delhi, constructs ethereal installations that blend architectural facades with botanical shapes using fine silk and cotton lace, delving into themes of memory and impermanence. Since 2015, she has incorporated embroidery techniques inherited from her grandmother to transition her drawing practice into a three-dimensional realm. Her ongoing series '33 Link Road' (2019–) reconstructs the characteristics and cracks of her grandparents' former Delhi residence, built after their displacement during the 1947 Partition of India. Although the house no longer exists, Singh immortalizes it through her artwork, showcased throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US. This effort culminates in 'Permanent Address' (2026), her most significant scale reinterpretation of the home, featured at the Indian pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale. Curator and writer Johanna Bear will discuss Singh's translucent anti-monuments in an upcoming ArtAsiaPacific issue.
Key facts
- Sumakshi Singh creates installations from silk and cotton lace.
- She uses embroidery techniques passed down from her grandmother since 2015.
- Her series '33 Link Road' (2019–) memorializes her grandparents' former home in Delhi.
- The home was built after displacement during the 1947 Partition of India.
- The building has been demolished but is recreated in Singh's art.
- 'Permanent Address' (2026) was presented at the Indian pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale.
- Her work has been exhibited across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US.
- Johanna Bear writes about Singh's work in an upcoming ArtAsiaPacific issue.
Entities
Artists
- Sumakshi Singh
- Johanna Bear
Institutions
- ArtAsiaPacific
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Indian pavilion at Venice Biennale
Locations
- New Delhi
- India
- Delhi
- Venice
- Italy
- Asia
- Australia
- Europe
- US
- Gadigal Country
- Sydney