In a tucked-away industrial building in the heart of Mumbai, Sameer Kulavoor’s studio buzzes with creative energy. Shared with his sister Zeenat Kulavoor of Bombay Duck Designs and brother-in-law Prajval Mendon, a designer and printmaker, the space exudes a collaborative spirit that bridges craft and artistry. Among the notebooks, bison board, and a large print of the family cat—memories of Zeenat’s wedding—Kulavoor’s deep connection to the motifs of Mumbai comes to life.
For Kulavoor, Mumbai is more than a city; it is a living, evolving organism shaped by its inhabitants and in turn shaping their lives. “Growing up in the ‘90s, I saw the city transform before my eyes,” he recalls, reflecting on India’s economic liberalization and the dawn of the internet era. These changes redefined urban rhythms, creating complex, invisible ecologies that Kulavoor explores through his work.
Architecture is like the manifestation of the human condition
His studio walls are lined with posters, signage, and works that reference his self-published zines – “Paper gives you great possibilities” he says, holding up an accordion-style book of quick sketches of urban structures, a metro-rail pillar, paper mazes that begin and end on the same plane.
From the chaos of Mumbai’s streets to the quiet poetry of a fading façade, Kulavoor’s art reframes the familiar. “Words can express only so much. And there is a big gap. And I think art fills that gap,” he explains, speaking about what art means to him.
Kulavoor’s artistic journey began with Bombay Duck Designs, one of India’s pioneering design and illustration studios, which he co-founded with Zeenat. While the studio gained acclaim for its vibrant, playful ethos, Kulavoor eventually transitioned to a more introspective artistic practice. This shift mirrors the complexity of his work, which oscillates between instinctive exploration and structured intervention.
In this BMW Artist Film, we step into Kulavoor’s studio and talk to him about everything Art hi Art — referencing the electric sign at the entrance to his space. “If I can build a link between the past and the future by working today, that is important. At least in my head”
Born in 1983 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Sameer Kulavoor currently lives and works in the city. His work will be presented by TARQ at India Art Fair 2025.