Nature’s Canvas: Mycelium Sculptures and the Shift to Organic Materials
Hyderabad artist Harsha Durugadda blends abstract expressionism with ontological themes, exploring beauty and growth. His recent works, like ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn,’ incorporate mycelium and augmented reality, redefining contemporary sculpture.
Harsha Durugadda, a Hyderabad artist, delves into abstract expressionism with an ontological perspective. His creations, through meticulous technique and form, echo human behavior and evoke emotional responses. In his latest piece, ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn,’ Durugadda contrasts the rose’s delicate beauty with its sharp thorns, symbolizing how life’s joys are intertwined with underlying struggles.
‘Geology of Spirit’ captures growth and history with its mushroom-like form rising from a central base, echoing geological layers. Made from layered wood sheets, its texture resembles tree rings, symbolizing organic evolution. The contrast of smooth and intersecting lines invites tactile exploration, connecting viewers to the material’s essence and reflecting themes of time and resilience.
Become a Premium Member to access our exclusive contents: https://authindia.com/premium-community-membership/ This organic approach contrasts with the artist’s earlier constructivist and futurist themes, reflecting a lifestyle shift after relocating to Oorna Farm near Hyderabad. “Adopting a natural lifestyle, nurturing my own food, and observing nature—such as a weaver bird and an Asian hornet crafting their nests—has profoundly inspired my investigation into the growth of sculpture,” Harsha reveals.
The artist has recently delved into mycelium, creating sculptures from mushrooms and sawdust. These pieces were featured in the ‘Climate Recipes’ exhibition, centered on environmental resilience. Despite his natural methods, Harsha doesn’t view himself as strictly eco-friendly. “I explore various materials, driven by creative passion,” he notes.
The artist now creates sculptures that engage viewers on multiple sensory levels, using augmented reality (AR) for digital overlays and incorporating kinetic elements. This fusion of digital and physical forms challenges traditional sculpture and enhances viewer interaction. Harsha’s pioneering work establishes him as a leading contemporary artist from India.
