Durgaprasad Bandi, Printmaker
Durga Prasad Bandi, born in 1985 in Pallamkurru, Andhra Pradesh, is a visual artist whose practice revolves around printmaking and alternative photographic techniques. With a BFA from Andhra University and an MVA from the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University of Baroda, Bandi’s practice goes beyond traditional printmaking or digital photography. Known for his evocative cyanotypes and layered prints, he draws inspiration from nature, memory, and imagined visuals. From solo exhibitions in Goa and Hyderabad to group shows across India and abroad, Bandi’s thoughtful, process driven works invite us to pause, look closer, and discover quiet narratives hidden in plain sight.
In this thought provoking conversation, printmaker Durgaprasad Bandi talks about his artistic practice with Abir Pothi.
1. What first drew you to visual art? Was there a moment or influence that set you on this path?
I remember that from my childhood itself I am attracted to art , I always used to draw and that makes me continue this path, I don’t think any particular moment or major influence on choosing this path. It’s completely my decision to come to visual art field.
2. What are you creating right now? Any piece that’s consuming your thoughts lately?
I am working on toned cyanotypes these times. This particular process involved with sunlight. So, as monsoon arrived it bothers me and slows down my practice. So, I am thinking to set a light box for cyanotype process.
3. How do you connect to different mediums? Which one you find the most difficult, which you feel is the most interesting and why?
My connection towards different mediums based on the necessity of my pre thoughts. In this practice I never felt any particular method is difficult. I take every attempt as a challenge, learn and complete the task. I found whole printmaking mediums are always curious to learn
and interesting to work. Because, there are a lot to explore while working.
4. What inspires you?
Constant thinking, ideas, imagined visuals and nature in many ways always inspires me.
5. Do you want viewer to find meaning in your art or do you prefer giving answers or hint to them.
I don’t work for viewer to find meaning in my art. In fact I leave some clues to find and keep a simple narrative through visuals to hint the viewer.
6. How do you define your relationship with art? Has it changed over years?
My relationship with art is like mind to hand or pen and paper. Other than art I am not good in any. My relation has not changed over years. But, matured over years.
7. What does your creative process look like? Are there any rituals involved?
My creative process involved mostly connect to my thought process and studio practice. I don’t follow any particular ritual but, yes! It based on complete involvement.
8. What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to young artists just starting out in the visual art
space?
First of all my advice to ‘be true to yourself’, and ‘self introspect’. Do not follow any. Take challenges, tasks. Choose the hard, easy can done by any. Do not fail, as you go on, to draw something everyday, for no matter how little it is, it will be worth while, and it will do you world of good.
9. Whose art inspired you, whether it’s a master, a peer or someone outside the art world?
Mostly the masters inspired me mainly Van Gogh, Francis Bacon and Cy Twombly. They are all from art world.
10. What keeps you busy when you are not creating?
Mostly I will be busy in constant thinking or if not working will always like to rearrange my old book shelf. Will listen to favorite music; watch a movie, or looking back on my earlier works.
Durgaprasad Bandi currently lives and works in Baroda, Gujarat, India
Contributor
