Image: Standing Observant
Residency
28th January - 3rd February
SVA John St Gallery
During his residency at SVA Gallery, Atul Bhunkal will continue his exploration of the theme, What is Real? This project delves into how we perceive and define reality, focusing on the segment Reality – Agreement of Senses. Through this, Bhunkal aims to examine how our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—work together to shape our understanding of the world. The project also questions whether reality is universally shared or experienced differently by individuals.
Opening times:
Artist Talk: Friday 31st January 6pm-8pm
Performance: Saturday 1st February 11am
Atul Bhunkal
Atul, born in India and currently residing in the UK, is an artist deeply engaged with exploring the question, “What is real?” His practice is a journey from objectivity to subjectivity, connecting the soul and supersoul. Rooted in idealism, Atul’s work reflects his spiritual experiences and emphasizes the role of spirituality in addressing societal and personal challenges.
Through metaphysical questions and sweet satire, he critiques rigid social norms and encourages introspection. Atul’s art often uses performance as a medium to connect physical and metaphysical realms, where he channels genuine emotions to create honest and impactful work.
Currently, he is working on projects such as Unanswered and Realizing the Reality of Real, focusing on themes like perception and reality. Atul believes art is a tool for questioning and connecting, inspiring others to think deeply about themselves, society, and the world around them.
Standing Observant
Standing Observant is a profound performance artwork that explores the idea of liberation through the act of “letting go.” This piece speaks to the universal experience of encountering situations and challenges in life that are beyond our control. While some difficulties can be addressed or altered, others demand a different kind of response: acceptance, patience, and endurance. This artwork delves into the latter category, offering a contemplative perspective on dealing with unchangeable circumstances.
The artist presents himself in a visually arresting manner—blindfolded, with his mouth bound, standing still in a meditative state. These physical constraints symbolize the limits we sometimes encounter in life when we cannot act, speak, or even comprehend the entirety of our situation. This act of restraint emphasizes the internal struggle of resisting the urge to react or fight against things that are beyond our influence.
The central metaphor of the performance is the ice brick held by the artist. The ice represents pain, challenges, and the emotional weight of unchangeable situations. It is solid, heavy, and cold mirroring the initial impact of distressing events in life. However, as time passes, the ice naturally begins to melt, symbolizing the gradual easing of pain and the transformative power of patience. The artist’s stillness embodies the choice to observe rather than resist, allowing the process of change to unfold organically.
By standing silently and holding the ice, the artist invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the moments when waiting and observing were the only viable options. The melting ice is a reminder that time can soften even the hardest experiences, and sometimes the best course of action is to let go of the need for control. This idea resonates deeply with the theme of liberation—not through active struggle, but through mindful surrender.
The performance also highlights the role of inner consciousness. Blindfolded and unable to engage with the external world, the artist turns his attention inward. This introspection becomes a space for self-awareness and emotional processing. By focusing on his inner state rather than external events, the artist demonstrates a form of resilience that is rooted in acceptance and self-reflection.
Through this evocative and minimalist approach, Standing Observant conveys a powerful message about human endurance and adaptability. It encourages viewers to confront their own relationship with pain and control. In a world that often demands immediate solutions and constant action, this artwork offers an alternative perspective: the strength to pause, wait, and trust in the natural passage of time.