Sukanya Mani’s works seem light as air, intricate and mesmerizing paper sculptures that can move and twirl with the slightest breeze. What may not be immediately apparent, however, is that Sukanya has made each irreversible cut in her material with the intention of representing — albeit abstractly — a weighty story or theme she’s explored in depth. The way gravity affects light; the relationship between physiological, psychological and cosmological time; how clothing and adornment affect how a woman’s sexuality is perceived: These are just a few of the themes Sukanya has researched before picking up her scissors and utility knives to start her next site-specific project  

In recent years, the self-taught artist has made quite an impression on her hometown of St. Louis, Mo and the region around it. She has been commissioned to create public works for several Missouri cities — including Poplar Bluff, Lee’s Summit and Brentwood. Last year a piece of hers was displayed in St. Louis’ international airport, and she was commissioned to create a piece for Florissant Performing Arts Center.

After a lengthy research-and-interview process, she’s currently completing “The Beside Between Beyond Project,” an installation that explores domestic abuse, particularly as it impacts immigrant and refugee populations.

In this interview with Pier Carlo Talenti, Sukanya explains how her immigrant story led to her picking up the utility knife and what might make it easier for other newcomers to the country to express their artistic selves. 

www.sukanyamani.com

https://camstl.org/exhibitions/teen-museum-studies-presents-sukanya-mani-weight-of-shadows/