Sivasubramaniam Kajendran (b. 1988, Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka) uses his artistic practice to explore the cyclical nature of life and death. Kajendran’s work draws from his trying life experiences, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War, and the devastating 2004 "Boxing Day" Tsunami. Frequently paying tribute to both survivors and those lost, the artist envisions a symbiotic and mythological reconfiguration of the relationship between man and nature as he explores themes of tragedy and renewal. Additionally inspired by historical depictions of femininity and motherhood, Kajendran's work offers critical perspectives on the struggles of women and girls in post-conflict regions while exploring ideas of strength, resilience, and the promise of the future amid life’s fragility.
Kajendran received his MFA from Beaconhouse National University, Lahore (2019) and BFA from the University of Jaffna, Jaffna (2014). Kajendran’s work has been featured recently at Rajiv Menon Contemporary, Los Angeles (2024); Pristine Gallery, New Delhi (2024); and Aicon Contemporary, New York (2024). He is a recipient of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Art Scholarship and the Cite International Arts Residency.
The artist currently lives and works in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.