Description
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran is a contemporary artist based in Sydney, Australia. He was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1988 and grew up in Sydney. Nithiyendran’s practice encompasses a range of media including sculpture, painting, ceramics, and installation.
Nithiyendran’s work often explores themes of gender, religion, and sexuality and frequently references his Tamil Hindu heritage. His sculptures are often figurative and combine traditional craft techniques with contemporary imagery and pop culture references. They are frequently adorned with bright colours, glitter, and other decorative elements.
In 2014, Nithiyendran was awarded the prestigious Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award, which is presented biannually to an exceptional Australian artist working in the medium of ceramics.
His work has been exhibited widely both within Australia and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Nithiyendran’s work has been praised for its boldness and its ability to challenge viewers’ expectations and assumptions. It has also been noted for its engagement with issues of identity and representation, particularly as they relate to people from culturally diverse backgrounds.