Alamu Kumaresan

Born in 1983, Alamu Kumaresan earned a Masters in Fine Arts in painting from Madras University, Government College of Fine Arts in 2007. She had her recent solo exhibition in 2026 at Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art, Mumbai. Her debut solo was in 2024 at Dr.Bhau Daji Lad Museum , Mumbai in association with AMCA gallery. She has participated in the IAF and Art Mumbai 2025 and 2024 respectively and Korea Golden Jubilee of Inko, International exchange exhibition at Busan, Korea, 2023; ‘Confluence’ Chennai Biennale 2024 organized by INKO Centre at Lalit Kala Akademi, 2024. Alamu Kumaresan's works are in the form of intricate patterns and textures woven with fabric, thread, yarn, embroidery and paint. Her unique vocabulary is inspired by people around her. She says, "The diversity and uniqueness of people we encounter on a daily basis offer endless opportunities to listen, learn, and be inspired. I'm captivated by those who approach life with bravery, respect for all life forms, gratitude and inclusivity. Their infectious perspective, grit and resilience inspires me deeply." Her works then are testimonies to those who have touched her life. In her works we see those who had left an impact on her, made special by the artist's rich tapestries crafted out of a variety of materials. The specialness of both narrative and material makes her work stand out. There is a timelessness in the practice. An honouring of life as it were…

Alamu Kumaresan has developed a distinctive style that revolves around the expressive use of thread-work and textile. She was profoundly attracted to the subjects of portraiture and landscape themes which continue to be the focus of her artworks. She is moved by the diversity of people around her, and is inspired by acts of courage and empathy in the people she knows, that she celebrates through her portrayals. Her works then are testimonies to those who have touched her life. 

Her artworks present a delicate balance between the silent intimacy of portraiture within a private space, and the objective distancing created by devices of still-life and patterning. In her abstract landscapes, the artist draws inspiration from nature's patterns and irregularities, observed during her travels. While there is an exploration of the physical forms, there also exists an underlying psychological and conceptual engagement with symbols and energies that remain undefined. 

Expanding her repertoire continually, Alamu is currently exploring the possibilities of relief and sculptural processes with thread and textile which she has exhibited at IAF 25’.