Def Leppard Guitarist Acquires Bengaluru Artist's Work During India Tour
In a significant moment for Bengaluru's art community, Vivian Campbell, the renowned guitarist of the legendary British rock band Def Leppard, purchased an artwork by city-based artist Devika Sundar. The acquisition occurred during a private viewing organized for the band while they were in Bengaluru for their concert, as part of the ongoing Bengaluru Art Weekend curated by Raihan Vadra.
A Rockstar's Artistic Choice
The artwork, part of Devika Sundar's series titled Adrift and at Sea, was acquired for approximately $800. This purchase highlights a unique intersection between international rock music and local contemporary art, bringing global attention to Bengaluru's creative scene.
Devika expressed her excitement about the sale, stating, "I just heard about the purchase, and I'm so glad my work resonated with members of Def Leppard." She elaborated on the inspiration behind her series, explaining that it explores the inner world of the human body—a body that is felt rather than seen. The artist focuses on the relationship between human bodies and natural water bodies like the ocean.
Artistic Influences and Techniques
Devika's work is deeply influenced by Eastern medicine and Ayurveda, which inform her approach to depicting the body and healing. "It stems from my interest in Eastern medicine and Ayurveda, and how they approach the body and healing," she noted. To achieve a distinctive aesthetic, she employs materials such as tea, watercolors, and pen, giving her pieces the appearance of vintage manuscripts.
Def Leppard's India Tour
The rock band was in India for a three-city headline tour, performing in Shillong on March 25, Mumbai on March 27, and concluding with a highly successful gig in Bengaluru on March 29. Campbell's purchase during this tour not only reflects his personal appreciation for art but also serves as a global endorsement of Bengaluru's evolving contemporary art landscape.
This event underscores the growing recognition of Indian artists on the international stage, with Bengaluru's art scene gaining momentum through such high-profile interactions.
