Challenging Perceptions: Identity, Cultural Hybridity, and the Power of the Everyday, New Jersey-Based Sculptor Abhishek Tuiwala

Abhishek Tuiwala (b. 1994, Gujarat, India) is a New Jersey-based sculptor whose multidisciplinary practice encompasses metalworking, woodwork, installation, and graphite drawings. His work dissects and reassembles familiar elements to form satirical narratives that challenge social constructs and examine themes of identity,cultural translation, and migration. By juxtaposing figuration and abstraction, Tuiwala bridges the gap between the everyday and the profound, urging viewers to question ingrained assumptions. Tuiwala holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from V.N.S.G. University in Surat, India, and a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Pratt Institute in New York. His work has been exhibited internationally, with shows at renowned venues such as Gallery LVS in Seoul, Raza Foundation in New Delhi, L’Space gallery, Swivel Gallery, Dinner Gallery, Mana Contemporary, and the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey. Deeply influenced by his immigrant experience, Tuiwala’s practice fosters empathy and insight into the socio-economic dimensions of migration and the complexities of cultural identity. His art creates spaces for dialogue, encouraging a deeper understanding of the shared human experiences that bind us all.

Hello, Abhishek, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m Abhishek Tuiwala, a sculptor based in Jersey City practicing at Mana Contemporary. After earning my BFA in Sculpture in India, I pursued my MFA on scholarship at Pratt Institute in New York. My work explores identity, cultural translation, and the socio-economic dimensions of migration. As an artist, I translate personal experiences into universal themes, bridging the tangible and intangible. I deconstruct and reassemble familiar elements to create layered, enigmatic sculptures that challenge perceptions and invite reflection.

What ideas are you exploring in your practice? Is there a theme you are currently addressing?

The ideas I am exploring in my practice revolve around a profound engagement with identity, cultural hybridity, and the transformative potential of the everyday. My work investigates the intersections of time, perception, and social constructs, recontextualizing familiar elements to challenge preconceptions and provoke fresh perspectives.

By exploring cultural translation and displacement, I aim to bridge cultural, economic, and societal divides. My work invites viewers to engage with the nuances of human experience and reflect on their role in a constantly evolving world.

What is the most exciting project you’ve done?

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on is Trouble Magnet. This sculpture, modeled after a horseshoe magnet, symbolizes connection and attraction and features brass figures in motion. The piece explores the magnetic pull of enticing yet deceptive goals, illustrating how they can lead us into repetitive cycles. It delves into the tension between aspiration and entrapment, reflecting the cyclical nature of desire.

What are you working on right now as moving forward?

I am currently working on a couple of projects inspired by institutional critique. My focus is on examining the role of art institutions and galleries in shaping emerging artists and the underlying power structures within the art world. I’m particularly interested in questioning the biases, elitism, and commercial interests often influencing the art world’s trajectory. While I can’t share specific details about these projects at this time, I’m excited to explore these themes further and contribute to the ongoing discourse on the institution of art.

What does “community” mean to you? Has your local community inspired you as a creative? 

A community is a dynamic ecosystem of shared experiences, mutual support, and diverse perspectives. It’s a space where individuals connect emotionally and intellectually, contributing to and benefiting from each other. As an artist, I find community to be a catalyst for dialogue, collaboration, and reflection, enriching both

my creative process and the stories I tell.

Living and working in Jersey City, particularly at Mana Contemporary, I’m immersed in a vibrant community of artists, thinkers, and creatives. This diverse environment, rich with different perspectives, inspires me to explore themes of identity, cultural translation, and hybridity in my work. Being part of such a dynamic community encourages me to push boundaries and engage with global and communal dialogues.

How do you see yourself in a community?

I see myself as both a participant and a facilitator within a community. As an artist, I create works that reflect shared struggles and aspirations, fostering spaces for reflection and dialogue. By exploring themes like displacement and cultural hybridity, I aim to bridge divides and invite viewers to engage with the complexities of identity. I actively participate in my local and artistic communities through exhibitions, studio visits, and meaningful dialogues, believing in the power of collective creativity and shared understanding. Do you have any advice that you would offer to others? If you’re a creative person, always stay connected to your roots—they will undoubtedly bear fruit. A single sentence that we can present along with your feature: “I create what I truly see, not just what I want to see!”

text & photo courtesy of Abhishek Tuiwala

• Website: http://www.abhishektuiwala.com/
• Instagram: @abhishek.tuiwala