Asim Waqif’s वेणु [Venu] is the third annual commission presented in partnership with the Bagri Foundation to bring new public artworks by artists from or inspired by Asia and its diaspora to the Southbank Centre.
This commission has been realised in collaboration with architect Shantanu Heisnam. It is supported by the Bagri Foundation with additional support provided by Nature Morte, New Delhi, India.
The bamboo for this commission was donated by the Misty Mountain Experience in Peermade, Idukki, Kerala, India. The installation’s bamboo frame is supported by an industrial metal skeleton, combining two predominant materials associated with buildings from both South Asia and London.
Waqif’s recent projects explore contemporary urban design and the politics of occupying, intervening in and using public spaces.
वेणु [Venu] continues to investigate these themes by interweaving notions of ecology and anthropology. Natural entryways entice visitors to interact with the artwork from the inside. Bamboo musical instruments are presented in and around the structure, encouraging spontaneous moments of creativity.
Find out more about the installation here.