Abhidnya Ghuge

Abhidnya Ghuge transformed 7300 disposable paper plates into this large scale sculpture, a visual representation of her own internal transformation after coming to the United States. Ghuge uses woodblocks to print with imagery derived from the henna patterns she knew growing up in India. The patterns and forms incorporated into her designs are part of the same paradigm seen microscopically within the human body, a fact she studied in medical school. Creating structures, Ghuge invites viewers to immerse themselves and experience these physical and spiritual landscapes.

Abhidnya Ghuge Artist Statement

Transformation of a humble disposable paper plate into an object to be viewed, admired and experienced- this is a visual representation of my internal transformation after coming to the United States. By creating an installation that changes the way people approach and experience the space is a way of changing how they see me, and people like me.  I create a temporary “home” in any given space and invite the viewer to experience its emotional, physical and spiritual landscape.

The process starts with drawing a pattern on a birch wood panel to be used as a woodblock to print on paper plates. The imagery is derived from the henna patterns I created growing up in India. Patterns and forms incorporated into henna designs are part of the same paradigm seen microscopically within our human bodies, a fact I studied in medical school. After a multistep process the paper plates are ready to be used in an installation along with other simple materials like poultry fencing, monofilament and fabric.

From carving the woodblock to the work involved in creating the final installation, I find inner comfort and peace in the repetitive process of printing, sealing, painting, folding and installing – a feeling every home should have.