Sumit Singh: Creating art as an emotional dialogue of healing with nature

Artist Sumit Singh aka EmperorSessle44 is a self-taught multidisciplinary abstract artist based in the UK. He views art as an emotional dialogue of healing with and through nature. With a biochemistry background, he explores the interaction between paints and inks with various other materials to transcend the physicality of art into a form of vibrational healing. Here, we chat to Sumit about his art..

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

I had always loved colour and doodling but it was at the age of 16 that I got introduced to the realm of painting. Before then, I didn’t realise the vastness of abstract expressionism as a movement and style of art despite strongly inclining towards it in art lessons. It was both the supervision of my teacher Mr Buckeridge and the awe of painters like Frank Bowling and Kathrina Grosse that developed my art practice.

Post school (2019), I have been exploring mixed media and discovering what ‘my art’ is and what ‘makes my art – art’. After taking part in a few international online exhibitions, I had my first group show in Soho, Central London with Baker Howard Contemporary. Later on, I exhibited with them again in the Summer of 2021 with the opportunity to perform paintings before a live crowd – was quite an experience! At this time, I also joined ArtCan – an international artist-led, non-profit arts organisation. With ArtCan, I have participated in several online and physical exhibitions including a current group show in the Shard!

My practice involves 2D and 3D paintings, digital art pieces, prints, poetry pieces and video installations.

What influences your work?

The major theme that my practice explores is healing. Healing as a concept is vast with several personal and collective implications and methods of expression. This is where the greatest influence on my work originates from – Nature. The source of all healing comes by being in Nature, with Nature or of Nature. Enraptured by the natural world, from the vivid living organisms to the fascinating landforms, from the microscopic scene to the immense depth of the cosmos. I find healing in all these experiences, through all our senses and it is this that I attempt to express in my work.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

While I like to explore new techniques and modes to express my thoughts and healing philosophies; the incorporation of a range of colours and bold mark-making with an intuitive working process represents my signature style. Whether it be a 2D or 3D painting or a digital piece or even a poetical artwork – colour is emotively essential across my artworks in all mediums.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning?

Currently, I am part of 3 ArtCan group shows in Central London. The paintings Omni and Rooted in Thoughts are displayed in the Kroll offices at The Shard and The News Building while the painting Haldi – Turmeric is being shown at America Square, Tower Hill. The first event of 2023 will be a virtual group exhibition ‘100 x 100’ with BobCat Gallery which opens in March. I am also busy finalising other shows for 2023, which I will be announcing soon.

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

The best advice I have received was from my school art teacher. He advised me ‘not to be too precious with my work’. It is important to let the work guide you and not let the fixation on a single element overshadow the overall picture. It is like nature – everything is a constant dynamic process.

For more information, commissions and to purchase his artwork please visit Sumit’s website: emperorsessle44.com

Follow Sumit on Instagram for latest updates.

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