Conceptual Art Installations & Meaningful Creative Commissions
Art should start a conversation, not just sit on a wall. I create installations and conceptual pieces that explore mental health, sustainability, and the stories we often hide.
This is the making of 'Filtered', my interactive Joker painting. The process of layering the paint to create the hidden image was a journey of its own, reflecting the complexity of the theme itself.
This is the making of 'Filtered', my interactive Joker painting. The process of layering the paint to create the hidden image was a journey of its own, reflecting the complexity of the theme itself.
This is the making of 'Filtered', my interactive Joker painting. The process of layering the paint to create the hidden image was a journey of its own, reflecting the complexity of the theme itself.
This portrait of Charlie Chaplin is made entirely of Morse code. The dots and dashes spell out his famous quote about crying in the rain, a commentary on how people often hide their struggles in plain sight.
These are stills from my 'Mental Health Alphabet' installation. Each letter represents a condition or influence on mental health, created to build awareness and encourage open conversations.
Titled 'Waves on My Mind', this watercolor piece was created during the pandemic. It represents my acceptance of the mind's high and low tides, comparing our inner world to the calm and storm of the ocean.
This piece is a personification of anger. It's an exploration of an emotion we are often taught to suppress, and a question about how we can learn to express it in a healthy way.
A behind-the-scenes look at my installation 'Dirty Fertility'. The piece uses soil to sculpt a uterus and other forms, questioning the taboos around the female body and its connection to the earth.
An exhibition view of the 'Dirty Fertility' installation. The three sculptures together tell a story, from the concealed sanitary napkin to the celebration of the female reproductive system.
An exhibition view of the 'Dirty Fertility' installation. The three sculptures together tell a story, from the concealed sanitary napkin to the celebration of the female reproductive system.
About Art with a Message: Conceptual & Installation Pieces
When I take on a commission for a conceptual piece, we are not just decorating a space. We are translating a personal philosophy or a raw emotion into something physical. Whether it is using soil to break taboos or Morse code to depict hidden struggles, my process involves digging deep into your story before we even touch the materials. If you have an idea that feels too complex to paint, that is usually exactly where I want to start.
Why Choose Conceptual Art?
Most people look for art to match their furniture. I look for art that challenges how we think. If you want a space in your home or office that provokes thought, I specialise in installations that use unconventional materials to tell a story.
My Approach to Custom Commissions
We start with a conversation. There is no template here. You might come to me with a feeling, a memory, or an abstract concept, and we work together to find the medium that fits. I have used everything from soil to express fertility taboos to Morse code for hidden mental health struggles. If you are looking for a mural that speaks to your local community or a sculpture that highlights your commitment to sustainability, I am here to help.
Sustainability at the Core
I strongly believe in finding beauty in what others discard. If you have an old piece of furniture, scrap wood, or objects you think are past their prime, let’s discuss how we can upcycle them into a central installation piece for your space. It is a way to reduce waste while keeping the history of the object alive in your home.
Getting Started
Since these pieces are highly personal, the development phase is thorough. We will work through concept drafts to ensure the final piece resonates with the emotion or message you want to project. Whether it is for a private residence in Bengaluru or an installation for a public event, I ensure the work is durable, meaningful, and true to your vision.
Madhuri Umashankar
I am Madhuri. I am a self-taught artist, which just means I prefer messy creativity over rigid rules. I make art that you can touch, play with, and talk about—the kind that turns old cassette tapes or bags of soil into a real, honest reflection of who you are.
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