School of Art & Design
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is now 100K alumni strong. We spoke with some of our alumni who are making the world a better place. Here are their stories.
Shaping an identity
Ramesh and his family moved from Sri Lanka to Australia in 1989 as refugees. He was nurtured by his humble Western Sydney upbringing, which provided him with a rich cultural environment that fostered his deep appreciation for art and culture. Today, he is a globally renowned artist with numerous fashion collaborations, who was honored as GQ Man of the Year in 2022, and is also a sought-after lecturer at UNSW's School of Art & Design. Despite his achievements, Ramesh's journey to self-discovery was not without challenges. In his high school years, he often sought refuge in the art room, where he found a sense of belonging and began to shape his identity.
School
Degrees
Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts (Honours Class 1), Masters in Fine Arts (Research) 2013
Current Title
Artist, Lecturer at UNSW School of Art & Design
Ramesh in his Studio - Katje Ford for Time Out Sydney
As a kid who didn't really feel a sense of belonging. A lot of the time, it was through learning about art and culture that was speculative, imaginative and edgy, that I actually was able to form a lot of my identity.
Building connections
At 17 Ramesh sought out an art school that offered connections to a diverse range of faculties. UNSW became the perfect canvas for his creative aspirations. Enrolling in a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ramesh embraced the interdisciplinary and collaborative culture of Paddington Campus and continues to imbed this in his practice today.
"I found it inspiring that UNSW was connected to broad faculties like Science, Arts, Medicine and Computing."
For Ramesh, UNSW was a revelation. It was a place where he could study and create art without constraints. Immersed in this environment, Ramesh found himself surrounded by peers who fostered critical thinking as the very bedrock of artistic expression. UNSW's School of Art & Design prioritised the power of ideas over superficial aesthetics, moulding him into the artist and educator he is today.
"The best thing about UNSW for me as a student, and now as an educator, is that we always emphasise the mind, the brain, and the thinking behind ideas over anything pretty or fluffy."
From ceramics to collaborative art
As Ramesh continued his journey at UNSW, his artistry flourished into an intricate blend of historical, religious and cultural themes. His work explored complex subjects like gender, religion, power and sexuality. While he's recognised as a pioneering figure in Australian ceramics, Ramesh remains down-to-earth and credits his success to the power of collaboration.
In his studio, he lives by this simple philosophy: "As soon as things get easy, that's a bad sign." Ramesh's focus has always been on pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, carving out new sculptural territories, inventing fresh genres and encouraging innovative ways of thinking.
It's this tenacity that has earned Ramesh a place in some of Australia's most prestigious art collections, including The Art Gallery of New South Wales and The National Art Gallery of Victoria. His artistic influence has extended beyond borders, with commissioned works and exhibitions featured in renowned events such as VIVID Sydney in 2022, Dark Mofo Tasmania in 2021 and a showcase at Jhaveri Contemporary in Mumbai in 2022.
Earth Deities II, 2022 Vivid, Sydney Photo: Mark Pokorny Copyright: Mark Pokorny©2022
Art in the attention economy: embracing interactivity
In today's fast-paced world, capturing and holding an audience's attention can be a formidable challenge. For Ramesh, challenges are the catalysts for artistic growth. "If we try to remain static, art risks becoming irrelevant,” he says. Artwork often demands a degree of stillness, and this is something Ramesh is reflecting on through his work. “You have to sit there and look, and we're so used to looking at things and getting information so quickly,” he says.
“As artists, we must ask ourselves, how can we provoke our audience to have a moment with our work?”
In his pursuit of answers, Ramesh has become fascinated in the realm of kinetics – working with elements that move. In one of his recent exhibitions, commissioned by the software company Atlassian and displayed at Sullivan Enstrom, he created a kinetic bronze sculpture. What made it truly captivating was its interactivity. When a viewer approached within a metre of the sculpture, its head would move, revealing another hidden head behind it. He believes that interactivity, moving beyond mere speculation, is a powerful way to connect people with art. Notably, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) recognised the significance of this kinetic artwork and acquired one of those sculptures for its collection.
A role model for generations
As a young artist, Ramesh carried a deep longing to witness South Asian artists being celebrated independently. Now, he has become the representation he always wished for, serving as an inspiration for a new generation of artists. It's evident that Ramesh's work is leaving a lasting impact. He frequently encounters young individuals, particularly from the South Asian community, who express their gratitude for his prominent visibility in mainstream art circles. To them, he symbolises the realisation of a dream – to see an artist of South Asian descent occupy a significant position in the art world.
However, Ramesh is adamant in his belief that his work transcends identity markers. While his background and heritage provide important context, his art is not confined or defined by them. He explains, "I don't describe my work as a response solely to Eurocentric visions and narratives. I acknowledge that as a context in which I think, but it doesn't dictate my work's existence. My work doesn't belong solely to the multicultural festival day. Our experiences can stand on their own, for their intrinsic value and significance."
“We're understanding that our experiences can be autonomous for their own sake.”
Advice to students
Ramesh encourages budding artists to immerse themselves in Sydney's vibrant creative arts community, making the most of the numerous free talks, openings and programs available. Ramesh believes that by actively engaging with the real-world mechanics of the art scene, young artists can begin to establish invaluable networks and gain hands-on experience. "Before you know it,” he says, "you'll find yourself woven into a vibrant arts community."
Ramesh stresses that joining this artistic community comes with a commitment to professionalism in every detail. He urges young artists to take pride in their work, emphasising that this journey begins even during their studies, from how they meticulously file and label their assessments. In his words, “Art is a form of labour, much like any other industry. Respecting people's time starts with the basics, such as formatting files appropriately. The more genuine and professional your engagement with the community, the more meaningful connections you'll foster in return.”
Celebrating 100K Alumni
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture alumni like Ramesh.
Learn about the evolution of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and meet the UNSW ADA Alumni who are making the world a better place.