Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy's Iron Sculptures: The Body as Story
Explore the complex human subconscious through Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy's layered iron and steel sculptures. These kinetic works capture multiplicity and motion in durable, evolving forms.
In these works, Janarthanan explores our metaphysical existence. The sculptures seem to open up, revealing an inner self not through what is shown, but through the form of what is on the outside. The rusted surface is intentional, symbolizing our own evolution and change over time.
Here, Janarthanan’s work speaks to the many layers that form who we are. From certain angles, you see a human silhouette, while from others, the form becomes abstract. This multiplicity represents the complex, often unseen, nature of our mind space.
This kinetic iron sculpture by Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy seems to burst with untethered motion. The layered figure suggests the many versions of ourselves, creating a dynamic and agile form that defies the weight of its material.
Janarthanan sees the human form as a container for the living being within, much like a bird's nest. This winged sculpture, crafted from iron, evokes a sense of both strength and fragility, capturing the essence of a sentient being ready for flight.
A view of the 'Nestled Within' solo exhibition, showcasing Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy's magnificent metallic beings. The gallery space is transformed by these free-floating, untethered sculptures that explore the human form.
A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy's sculptures. His process involves layering overlapping silhouettes to depict the many selves and identities, both physical and metaphorical, that exist within us.
A glimpse into the artist's process, where raw metal is cut and shaped. Janarthanan allows his iron sculptures to rust, a process that transforms them over time and serves as a powerful reminder of the cycles of nature.
Residing in the industrial province of Ambattur in Chennai, Janarthanan discovered his love for metal as an authentic medium to convey his thoughts on the complexities of the human experience. Here, his works are installed in the gallery.
The artist at work, bending and shaping iron. Janarthanan is fundamentally captivated by the human body, and his process uniquely captures its elegance, harmony, and balance, even as the material itself is heavy and industrial.
'The Surface of My Body I', an iron sculpture by Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy. This piece explores the human form as a vessel, conveying the artist's thoughts on the complexities of our existence through a stark, powerful silhouette.
About Artist Spotlight: Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy - The Body as Story
These iron sculptures are not static objects. Janarthanan purposefully treats the metal so it continues to rust and change over time, mirroring our own evolution. Because these pieces are substantial—often exceeding 20kg—we provide specific structural analysis and lighting strategies to ensure they are installed safely and capture the right shadow-play in your home.
Multiplicity in Iron
Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy’s practice is fundamentally about the complexity of human existence. When you look at these sculptures, you see how he uses iron and steel to depict the many layers that form us as individuals. From one angle, you might see a clear human silhouette, but as you move around the piece, it becomes abstract—a representation of the subconscious mind. This is what we call 'multiplicity.'
Why Iron?
Janarthanan uses iron because it is a raw, industrial material that defies its own weight. Through his process, the metal becomes agile and kinetic. He captures the elegance of the human form while grounding it in a material that carries its own history. The rusting process is intentional. Just as we change and grow, his sculptures are allowed to age, transforming their surface texture over time. This makes every piece a living record of its own existence.
Installing Your Sculpture
Acquiring a large-scale sculpture requires more than just finding a spot on the wall.
- Structural Load: Because these works use solid iron or Corten steel, we assess your wall's load-bearing capacity before installation.
- Lighting: The beauty of these pieces often lies in the skeletal shadows they cast. We consult on lighting placement to enhance the silhouette against your wall.
- Maintenance: We provide guidance on how to manage the patina. If you prefer to stop the oxidation process, we can advise on sealants that preserve the current look without altering the sculpture's integrity.
Whether you are an interior designer looking for a focal point for a commercial project or a collector wanting to bring a unique narrative into your home, we are here to ensure the piece fits your space both technically and aesthetically.
Kynkyny Art Gallery
We are Namu and Vivek. At Kynkyny, we believe art should change you, not just your room. With Janarthanan’s work, we aren't just showing you sculptures; we are inviting you to witness the layers of human existence carved in iron.
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