“My paintings are explorative of human nature and our moods, they are constantly changing as I learn more about myself and the world we live in.”
Name
Simba Tharun
Profession
Art Student
Website
Who are you? What do you do?
My name is Simba and I am studying Sculpture and Environmental Art in the Glasgow School of Art.I work across both painting and sculpture. The work I produce reflects upon the different cultural elements I have inherited throughout the years. I am fortunate to have moved around for most of my life, being multilingual speaking up to 5 languages fluently. I was born in India, to a Sri Lankan Mother, and grew up in Dubai and Europe. As I moved, I studied and painted different people, by observing them and their rich cultural diversity. I am a highly emotional person, and this definitely shows throughout my work. I am drawn to a bright colour palette, and often use mark making recklessly to create my paintings, depending on my moods. My paintings are explorative of human nature and our moods, they are constantly changing as I learn more about myself and the world we live in.
Where are you from?
I was born in Kalyan, India and grew up in Dubai. At the age of 9 I was scouted by Barcelona Football Club. 4 years later my family moved to Paris, and I began painting in my garden studio. So, I am from a bit of everywhere.
Your style in 3 words?
Quirky, raw and emotional
Your weakness? Your strength?
My ADHD , My ADHD.
What makes you different?
My background. I have such a mix of cultural ideals and family input. I get to choose what I want to be like.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I had always been interested in the arts, but it was around secondary started learning to channel my creative abilities to produce works that reflect my state of mind, it was a sort of therapy.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
Once I get started on a certain painting, I become obsessed with how many different versions I can produce.
A few words about your favourite creation?
My self-portrait “alter ego” always brings me back in the state of mind I had produced it in. It portrays how I look down upon myself, and reminds me that we are all our biggest critic!!
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
Jean Michel Basquiat- always. I can relate to his mixture of background and emotional turmoil. I am into Robert Rauschenberg’s use of mixed media and the notion of layering images.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
Recently I’ve been working with ceramics and jesmonite, manipulating the materials strengths and weaknesses. I’m working towards a series of ‘dysfunctional’ studio objects and furniture, which signifies the limited studio spaces art schools are offering.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“
Health, Family, friends and my dog Miko.
2019: Where are we going?
Forward.
When the going gets tough…
Think about beach, pizza and beer
Your city’s favourite spots?
Botanic gardens, Glasgow. It’s a popular spot for a reason.
Do you have a vision?
My creative practice is constantly changing and evolving, as will my visions. But I’ve always had a goal of opening up my own gallery, I love curating.
What would you do if you could change the World?
Stop Brexit (!) and allow people to move forward as a whole.
Tell us about your future plans…
After graduating, I’ll continue producing, and I’ll be working hard to get my artwork out there. I want to work towards setting up a gallery, with a Cafe attached. My girlfriend and I have talked about it for years.
Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?
