Suresh Babu Maddilety has mastered the complex interplay of science, philosophy and visual art to create stunning works probing into the forces that mould our world. Based on the theory of Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC), grounded in Sir Roger Penrose, his work assimilates different notions about the universe, proposing a cyclic conception that shows an infinite sequence of cosmic epochs. The he uses this theoretical framework gives his work a flavor of constant change, where nothing is still and every aspect changes form without pause.
Courtesy: Abir Space
For Maddilety, his works are much more than finished products. Instead, he sees them as ongoing discussions. Each is like an inconclusive little puzzle, prompting viewers to try and decipher the relationships between materials, shapes and concepts. Here, his interest in natural orders—rhythms of the seasons—stretches to a level of objects that are minuscule even when compared with atoms. Maddilety integrates digital media, traditional painting, photography, text and found objects to create visual articulations of time’s fluid nature and existence; thereby blurring the fine line that separates art and science.
and trees grow metaphorically from it, without the natural order of stems, branches, and leaves. Here, creating a real tree means assembling parts in a nonlinear fashion, like constructing a table.| Courtesy: Abir Space
Moreover, his style is characterised by a continuous dialogue between abstraction and representation making simple objects cohabit with hallucinatory shapes. The Ancient Sounds of Light In some ways they look as though they could be scenes mid transfiguration; these are further hints that what is presented is only a hint or an impression. The soft, pastel-like colours and layered textures contribute to this effect to evoke a feeling of movement, of hope. The things and figures in his drawings, either look like they are taking shape or crumbling down; they steal a glance of this transitive moment relative to the concept of incessant transformation.
Here, the umbrella acts like atoms, forming clouds and rain without direct interaction, which is why it’s depicted in isolation.| Courtesy: Abir Space
The artist’s commitment to transformation extends to his techniques, where traditional and modern methods collide. He employs digital collage alongside painting to reshape the basic elements of matter into recognizable yet unconventional forms. This synthesis reflects his belief that art is not static but is continually moving forward, much like the universe itself. Through these explorations, Maddilety seeks to provoke curiosity, urging others to view the world with a sense of wonder and to recognise that everything is in a state of constant evolution.
Here, the wine drop, like a seed( combined atoms), gives rise to the grape tree without direct interaction, which is why the wine bottle is painted in isolation.| Courtesy: Abir Space
Ultimately, Suresh Babu Maddilety’s work pushes boundaries by questioning perceptions of time and existence, presenting them as interconnected and ever-changing. His art serves as an ongoing experiment, challenging viewers to explore their relationship with the universe, and to embrace the inherent uncertainty and beauty of a world in perpetual motion.
Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer & researcher.
