Aakash Nihalani approaches space almost like a cartoonist. Just like when Tom would chase Jerry through brick walls, even the solid surfaces in Nihalani’s work become permeable. His work is primarily abstract and geometric; tape is a starting point to delineate shapes that get filled in with brushes and rollers. The neon, rectilinear forms sometimes shoot through surfaces like bullets or lightning bolts, carefully cut to create an optical illusion of breaking through a wall or a panel. Through this illusion of free movement, one gets the sensation that these shapes are actually animate and operate according to their own physical laws. Nihalani currently has a solo show in Rome’s Wunderkammern, “Vantage,” that includes a site-specific installation as well as several new street art piece created leading up to the show.
“Vantage” is on view at Wunderkammern through May 17. All photos by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Installation view of Aakash Nihalani’s “Vantage” at Wunderkammern. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Installation view of Aakash Nihalani’s “Vantage” at Wunderkammern. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Installation view of Aakash Nihalani’s “Vantage” at Wunderkammern. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Installation view of Aakash Nihalani’s “Vantage” at Wunderkammern. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
A new street art piece in Rome. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Tools of the trade: Aakash Nihalani’s tape. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Aakash Nihalani finishes a new street art piece in Rome. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
Mural in progress. Photo by Giorgio Coen Cagli, courtesy of Wunderkammern.
View of Aakash Nihalani’s new mural in Rome from another rooftop.
View of Aakash Nihalani’s new mural from the street.
