I’m an artist hailing from India and currently based in the Netherlands. My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the urgency and responsibility I feel towards sustainability, circularity, ecological issues, and their intersection with local contexts.

Rather than engaging in the fast-paced and competitive realm of the arts as a single mother, I’ve embraced a steady, deliberate approach to my practice, akin to nurturing a child or the gradual growth process found in nature. This method demands sustained commitment and consistent growth, reflecting in the thoughtful attention I dedicate to each art project.

In 2016, I launched a notable art initiative called LDD – Lucrative Dumpster Dives, a foundation dedicated to promoting circularity and sustainability within the arts and culture sector. Through LDD, I’ve curated educational art programs and facilitated the creation of artworks that directly address art-related waste issues. LDD has emerged as a trendsetter within art academies across the Netherlands, showcasing and inspiring the immense possibilities and value of swapping and exchanging leftover art materials. This innovative approach has been recognized as a circular source for both creativity and waste reduction, signaling a shift towards incorporating sustainable practices throughout the artistic process. This ethos of circularity and waste reduction is a fundamental aspect that I integrate into all of my artworks.

A central tenet of my practice is the delicate balance between playful interventions and theoretical artist inquiry. This philosophy is evident in projects like “The Creative Playground,” a collaborative effort in Utrecht which serves as a socially engaged public art space, fostering artistic collaboration with the local neighbourhood.

Drawing from embodied experiences and keen observations, I explore the intersection of sustainability and everyday life. Collaborating with like-minded partners, I craft experimental platforms that merge art and culture to address ecological issues.

Take, for example, my project “Waste Bar,” which began with a focus on creating artistic public intervention that address street litter, particularly cigarette butts. Setting a goal of collecting 500,000 cigarette butts, to use as art medium, I embarked on a journey of community engagement, making connections across the Netherlands. This initial phase was crucial in igniting conversations and participation around waste issues.

Subsequently, I dedicated two years to artistic research, drawing inspiration from nature to find innovative ways of working with the toxic waste of cigarette butts. Through this process, I discovered the potential of mycelium, a natural material with remarkable properties. Taking time to experiment with different methods of working with mycelium and delving into scientific research, I explored ways to transform waste into artistic creations. This has resulted in me develop a new art medium using cigarettes and mycelium that can be grown to a larger scale.

At the core of my practice lies a desire to empower individuals to shape a sustainable future. To do this I carefully choose the artistic method that best suit the trajectory. Methods such as art installations, video, workshops, and participatory public interventions to create dialogues and actions that catalyz positive change.

As I continue to evolve as an artist, my primary focus remains on creating art that not only prompts introspection but also instigates meaningful societal transformation. My journey is one where art and sustainability intertwine, serving as powerful agents for forging a brighter future for all. Through my ongoing exploration, I strive to exemplify the potential of collaborative and participatory art as a catalyst for driving positive change.

De Volkskrant (link)

Het Parool (link)

Dag Blad Utrecht (link)

Nu.nl (link)

Email: angelina.d.kumar@gmail.com

Number: +31682587067

Instagram: @angelinacreateschange