Indian artist Sudarshan Shetty to join 'Rolls-Royce Art Programme'

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced joining of Sudarshan Shetty for the Rolls-Royce Art Programme, which includes enigmatic sculptural installations that reflect on urban contemporary life.

Sudarshan Shetty, who is one of the most renowned Indian artists of his generation and is acclaimed for his artistic practice, will take the form of a two-channel film, anchored by two sculptures.

The commission will be based on an Indian folk tale and is slated to be presented in Mumbai on November 5th 2016, alongside his existing 'Flying Bus' public art project at the Maker Maxity.

The new commission will take inspiration from a popular South Indian folk tale that is an allegory for artistic expression and the importance of creativity. Two structures will represent the home and public space featured in the story, whilst the film will depict the tale of a husband and wife, at a moment when the wife envisions a story and a song from her breath whilst sleeping.

The sculptures will represent key moments in the tale and will be rigorously handcrafted reflecting the art of craftsmanship. Shown across two screens, the film will convey a sense of unfolding time whilst exploring the narrative as it comes into the world through language and music.

"Sudarshan Shetty has been recognized as one of the most innovative artists in India for his generation. I am delighted to welcome Sudarshan to the Rolls-Royce Art Programme; he is an artist whose work reflects our own striving for perfection. India is an important part of Rolls-Royce's heritage and it gives us great pleasure that Sudarshan will weave Rolls-Royce into the thriving Indian arts scene," said Chief Executive Officer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Muller-Otvos.

"Rolls-Royce is, for me, a model of craftsmanship and technological advancement. It is a matter of privilege and also a challenge to create a new commission for Rolls-Royce and to be able to try to match its high standards. Through this new commission, I am seeking to find a meeting point between the innovation of Rolls-Royce and my own imagination as an artist," said Sudarshan Shetty who visited the home of Rolls-Royce in West Sussex, UK.

Sudarshan Shetty joins Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem as a member of the Rolls-Royce Art Programme for 2016.