The New Faces Of Mosaic: 3 Indian Artists To Follow

From mesmerising zellige patterns of Byzantine mosques to the 17,000 tiles from John Lennon’s swimming pool that fetched high bids at auction recently, this enigmatic puzzle-inspired craft possesses hypnotic powers that captivate viewers. Deploying a material palette that includes shimmering glass, earthy ceramics and polished marble, we highlight 3 Indian artists who are seamlessly blending ancient tessellations with modern sensibilities in the contemporary design landscape. 

1. Bringing Nostalgia to Life with Aashika & Tanishaa Cunha

The Mumbai-based sisters Aashika and Tanishaa Cunha began their journey into mosaic art as a playful experiment, but it soon blossomed into a passion that led them to create bespoke commissions for some of India’s most distinguished families. Their latest creation, a whimsical mosaic masterpiece at the Hermès store windows in Jio World Plaza, culminates in a vibrant, immersive experience. Over 1,200 hours of meticulous work, 36,000 hand-cut glass vitreous tiles, and two windows of boundless imagination transform the shop front with exuberant geometry and the infectious wonderment of a fairground. In the first window, a Ferris wheel linked to a stairway, with a gilded elevator transforming into a fanciful rollercoaster while the second one reimagines stairways and archways as sophisticated rides. A brightly lit carousel with horseshoe-like seats ties the scene together, creating an engaging spatial quality.

Believing that beauty lies in the curves, the Cunha sisters manually shaped each tile, a process as intricate as the final work itself. The design was then sketched onto cement sheets, after which the tiles were carefully glued into place. The artists employed a creative technique, placing some tiles textured side up to add depth and character. Finally, a transparent grout was applied, enhancing the vivid hues of the tiles and bringing the entire composition to life.

2. A Digital Dystopia with Sajid Wajid Shaikh

In a world where the digital and physical realms increasingly intersect, artist Sajid Wajid Shaikh presents ‘PiePie,’ an evocative installation that delves into the toxic culture of internet trolls and the real-world repercussions of online hate. Deeply interested in process-driven art, Shaikh finds art making meditative regardless of medium. Using phone-drawn images inspired by a Pointillist, pixelated style, ‘PiePie’ critiques the alienation and xenophobia that thrive within cyberspace. 

“The design process began with creating drawings on my phone using a phone app,” explains artist Sajid Wajid Shaikh. “These designs were then sent to a factory that produces bespoke 8-bit swimming pool tiles.” To achieve the textured effect reminiscent of impasto painting, Shaikh intentionally uses the tiles upside down, emphasising the rough, unfinished feel that characterises both the medium and the message. At the core of “PiePie” lies the mathematical concept of pi (π), an irrational and infinite number. Just as the digits of pi stretch endlessly without repetition, so too does troll culture perpetuate a seemingly infinite cycle of negativity, with no clear resolution in sight. Once the tiles are ready, they are custom-made to Shaikh’s exacting specifications and physically transferred with the assistance of his father, adding a personal touch to a project that is both deeply reflective and socially relevant.

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3. Crafting Powerful Narratives with Vandeepp Kalra

Vandeepp Kalra is a self-taught artist who has spent over a decade experimenting with various art mediums, ultimately finding her true calling in mosaic art. Her work is characterised by a unique juxtaposition of texture, light and scale, composing stories that are as colourful as they are mysterious

Her dedication to the craft is evident in the elaborate detailing that defines her work. This attention to detail transforms her mosaics into narratives that unfold slowly, allowing viewers to discover new layers of meaning with each glance. Despite the inherent static nature of glass, Kalra manages to infuse her mosaics with a sense of movement and fluidity. Vandeepp Kalra’s studio in Kolkata is a sanctuary for her mosaic art, where she creates an eclectic range of home décor products, including mirrors and wall art. ‘The Street – Crossroads’ is a testament to Kalra’s mastery of the mosaic medium and her ability to convey complex emotions through her art.

Also Read: Pixel Prodigies: 5 South Asian Artists Re-Programming The Canvas With A.I.