Vishal K. Dar, born in 1976, is an innovative Indian artist known for his interdisciplinary approach that blends architecture, digital technology and large-scale installations. Based in Delhi, Dar's artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by his training as an architect, which he uses to create site-specific works that often extend beyond traditional gallery spaces into the public domain.
Dar's work is characterised by the use of light and scale to explore deep-seated personal, political and sociological themes. He often uses satire and mythology to address contemporary issues, creating artworks that are both technically ambitious and conceptually profound.
One of Dar's most remarkable series is INSECTS (2009), in which he created luminous insect sculptures from car headlights stolen from the grey markets of Old Delhi. These works embody a post-human narrative, transforming banal objects into strange, totemic creatures. Light as a medium recurs in Dar's projects, such as Prajapati (2013), which draws on Louis Kahn's architectural philosophy and Hindu mythology to create an immersive public art installation.
Another important project, NAAG (2012-2015), uses projection mapping technology to challenge traditional notions of sculpture. This series, along with other works such as Maruts (2015) and Storm Deities (2016), reflects Dar's fascination with the interplay between light, form and space, creating experiences that are both visually and intellectually stimulating.
Dar's BROWNation series, exhibited in 2010, reconfigures iconic Indian symbols to critique national identity and consumer culture. This body of work evolved in 2012 with The Rise of the BROWNationals, a collaboration with historian Kaushik Bhaumik and media artist Siddhartha Chatterjee, which focuses on India's political heartland.
Internationally, Dar's work has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as Tate Modern in London and Para/Site Art Space in Hong Kong, underlining the global relevance and universal appeal of his art.
Throughout his career, Dar has embraced collaboration, working with intellectuals, technologists and other artists to push the boundaries of contemporary art. Her practice continues to explore themes of transformation, technology and myth, inviting audiences to engage with her work on multiple levels.