Photographer: Taania Sukumar

1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?

Funnily enough, my eureka moment was a journalism class I took in my last year of college. I had always relied on images to speak for me until that point, but writing showed me the power of layered storytelling. It wasn’t about replacing photography but expanding it. Now, when I shoot, I try to think beyond the frame. It helped me form the belief that my art isn’t about choosing a medium; it’s about telling the story however it demands to be told.

2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?

My submission for Mob, Matrix Reimagined, honestly makes for a great example here.

I had been wanting to do this edgy, monochromatic shoot for weeks when I met my model, Colin Wibowo, at a café. Total coincidence since I was there planning another shoot. His look was exactly what I had envisioned, but once we started working together, the concept took on a life of its own. The wardrobe, the vibe - it felt like it became an extension of his personality. It wasn’t just about my vision anymore; it was about showcasing him. It was that collaboration that took the shoot to the next level.

3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?

My directorial debut short film – Muse, pushed my creative boundaries. It was my first time stepping beyond photography into filmmaking.

The film blends live action with mixed-media animation, so the biggest challenge I faced was finding the right team—people who not only understood my vision but could elevate it. I had to trust others to execute what I saw in my head, which meant letting go of control while staying deeply involved.

Collaborating with my impressive, talented cast and crew taught me how powerful shared creativity can be. I learned that executing a vision isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about building a team that knows how to do it with you.

4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?

I think the ever-evolving nature of art is what makes it so powerful. It ties back to my belief that art has no medium, no rules - it can be both timely and timeless. That’s the feeling I aim to capture in my work: emotion-driven stories and themes combined with visually striking images. To me, staying relevant is not about chasing the new shiny thing, it’s about taking that shiny thing and combining it with themes that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?

My main goal is to keep evolving and never become stagnant. Art makes me feel alive, and I'm grateful to create every day. I wasn't always confident about pursuing a creative field, so reaching this point feels significant - I can't imagine doing anything else now. The more I create, the more I want to continue, whether or not each piece is my best work. As long as there's a story to tell, I want to be the one telling it.