Drigganita

"Drigganita" by Kaimurai reflects a profound exploration of the artist's roots in South India, drawing inspiration from his upbringing and familial values, the centrality of classical Carnatic music and a search for tranquility and balance. By using traditional materials with deep cultural significance like indigo on khadi, Kaimurai pays homage to heritage and craftsmanship and invites viewers to contemplate spirituality and harmony in an increasingly complex digital world.

The influence of Kaimurai's family background, steeped in belief, faith and repetitive religious practices, permeates his work. He adheres strictly to the parameters of his practice, employing sparse materials and an immersive, intuitive methodology characterized by swift and repetitive linear mark-making. This approach ensures that he finishes each piece before the indigo dries and stains the cloth. Drawing inspiration from Hindu symbols like astronomical calculations used in life charts, dhvajastambhas, sundials, and chandrabindus, Kaimurai creates, as the artist calls it, a 'space of zero’, devoid of narratives, where viewers are invited to interpret the work through their own lenses.

For instance, a piece from his Ambara series might evoke a landscape for one viewer and a sunrise for another. Similarly, what I interpret as chakras might be seen as totems by someone else (Briha IV, 2024), and where one perceives the moon, another might see a void (Chandrabindu Series IV, 2024). By judiciously incorporating materials such as gold foil (commonly used in Tanjore paintings) and veena strings (a nod to the musical instrument and thus the significance of music in the works), Kaimurai extends the visual and tactile experience of his minimalist practice.

"Drigganita," meaning visual calculation, emphasizes Kaimurai's quest for a language shaped by temporal, gestural, and material observations. Showcasing his collection in the capital, he enriches the cultural fabric of the city, bridging traditional and modern aesthetics. Through his fusion of material exploration and formal experimentation, Kaimurai prompts viewers to reflect on their individual spiritual journeys and pursuit of balance.

Deeksha Nath