The Genesis of Creativity in the Nilgiris
Adityavardhan Jayaram, hailing from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India, finds his roots deeply entwined with the lush, serene landscapes of the Nilgiris. Raised in a boarding school nestled in this mountainous region, his formative years were marked by an intimate connection with nature. This early exposure cultivated an inherent appreciation for simplicity and the profound lessons offered by the natural world. Jayaram’s upbringing in a traditional Hindu household further shaped his perspective, balancing the spiritual grounding of orthodoxy with the mechanical routine of corporate life. Such an existence, though stable, created an internal yearning for an outlet to break free from its constraints. Turning to art became his escape, a pathway to construct a personalized reality—one inspired by his journey through yoga and meditation, where he embraced the philosophy that reality itself is an illusion.
A self-described introvert, Jayaram uses his art to communicate what words cannot. The mechanical predictability of everyday life, contrasted with his exploration of mindfulness, plays a pivotal role in his creations. This duality—between structure and transcendence—emerges as a recurring theme in his work, allowing him to carve a distinctive niche in the artistic world.
Adityavardhan Jayaram: Photography as Self-Expression
Jayaram’s artistic journey began not with grand aspirations but with a need to express the emotions and ideas he carried within. From an early age, he was drawn to creative pursuits, though he never labeled himself an artist. Living more in his mind than in the external world, he sought a medium that could convey his internal dialogue. Photography, especially with digital enhancements, became his chosen language—a perfect blend of technical precision and creative freedom. It allowed him to bridge the gap between the tangible and the abstract, offering a joy unmatched by conventional endeavors.
His work leans toward minimalism and symmetry, themes that reflect his meditative practices and desire for balance. Through black-and-white imagery, he strips away distractions to focus on the essence of his subjects. Jayaram’s exploration of street photography is particularly revealing, as it compels him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace extroversion, even momentarily. Additionally, he dabbles in cinematic photography, aiming to infuse each frame with narrative depth. These varied approaches speak to his versatility and the ever-evolving nature of his creative voice.
The Process and Inspirations Behind the Lens
Jayaram’s workspace mirrors his minimalist ethos—just a camera, a computer, and occasionally a printer to bring his work to life. For him, printing is an integral part of the artistic process, transforming the digital into the tangible. To maintain focus, he relies on mindful breathing techniques, a skill honed through his meditative practice. This mindful approach extends to his creative process, where he allows inspiration to flow naturally rather than forcing ideas.
Influenced by a range of visionaries, Jayaram names Fan Ho, Alan Schaller, Peter Stewart, Steve McCurry, and Sebastiao Salgado as his primary inspirations. These artists, known for their masterful storytelling and visual precision, resonate deeply with his style. However, his mother, Jayalakshmi, stands out as a significant personal influence. Her versatility in various artistic disciplines left an indelible mark on his creative journey. Renaissance-era art also plays a role in shaping his aesthetic sensibilities, grounding his work in classical principles while he explores contemporary forms.
Adityavardhan Jayaram: Projects, Passions, and Artistic Aspirations
For Jayaram, every piece of art holds intrinsic value, regardless of its complexity or audience reception. His work emphasizes the extraordinariness of the ordinary, finding beauty in simplicity and meaning in the mundane. Among his dreams is a project that merges street and architectural photography, aiming to depict the mechanical monotony of urban life in cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Chongqing. This concept, rooted in his observations of modern urban existence, reflects his fascination with structure, routine, and the human experience within it. While an earlier attempt to bring this idea to life through an exhibition fell short of his expectations, he remains committed to refining and presenting it anew.
Although photography is his primary medium, Jayaram’s artistic curiosity extends to other forms, including interior design and traditional painting. He began his creative exploration with pencil sketching and oil and watercolor painting but found his true passion in photography, partly influenced by his father’s camera store during his childhood. Yet, he yearns to experiment further, particularly with film photography and the tactile process of film development—a medium he sees as offering a deeper connection to the craft.
Adityavardhan Jayaram’s work is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of art. By blending introspection, technical skill, and creative vision, he crafts images that resonate with authenticity and purpose. His journey, marked by continuous exploration and a commitment to self-expression, positions him as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions while embracing his own evolving narrative.
