Mahalakshmi Kannappan’s practice unfolds in layers at once; sculptural, abstract, and deeply process-oriented. Originally from Tamil Nadu and now based in Singapore, she creates works grounded in the materiality of graphite and wood, evoking the delicacy of torn or assembled paper. What first appeared as fragile sheets reveal themselves as sculpted wooden surfaces coated with graphite paste. This transformation of matter is at the heart of her sculptures.
Black, the mother of all colours, becomes her language of memory, time, and transformation. Dark tones suggest depth and permanence, while lighter gradations hint at flux. Each layer is a record of process, tactile poems where graphite and wood become carriers of memory, pulps, and time.
The exhibition is designed by Sona Reddy, enhancing the viewing experience, while the curatorial text by Bose Krishnamachari guides visitors through the nuances of her practice, offering a deeper understanding of the layered forms and metaphoric richness of the works.