Sukanya Mani
5(ish) Questions for is a chance to discover and learn about St. Louis Creatives, Community Champions, and, well, just interesting people in and around our city. It's a deep dive into what they love and where their passion lies. It's an opportunity for all of us to see our region from a different perspective. This written interview is a peek into their lives and their outlook on St. Louis.
Meet Sukanya Mani. Her artistic journey began during a period of self-discovery as an immigrant, driven by a passion for storytelling and community connection. She creates immersive, narrative-based installations inspired by diverse influences, emphasizing constant learning, resilience, and the transformative power of art in personal and communal spaces.
The Light Illusion, Handcut paper, 2019. St Louis Artist Guild.
Hi Sukanya. How did you get started?
I came to the US on a dependent visa and did not have a work permit for a couple of years. During that time, I decided to explore my passions. I have always wanted to tell stories and create art and that is where the journey started.
What drives you; what gets you out of bed every morning?
Every story has a beginning. Mine starts with a deep passion for connecting people through the power of narrative. I write and draw in my sketchbook all the time! I am inspired by people around me, books that I read and the stories of my elders. Once I get a spark, I start looking for tangible ways to present this idea.
What are some unique or innovative approaches you take?
I don’t think of the how, but the why and what. Once I understand why I want to tell a story, I look for materials that will support the reason. I also am constantly thinking of how a viewer experiences the artwork. How their bodies will move around it, will they look up or down? How close do I want them to see the artwork and so on. Once I have answers to some of these questions, I start designing my work in space. Most of my pieces are installation based, so I have to work with many challenges like weight, wind and light of a specific space.
How do you balance work, personal interests, and family responsibilities?
The short answer is I do not! I am constantly rebalancing, realigning and reprioritizing all three! The only constant in this push and pull is that I try to be kind to myself when I am not able to fulfill certain responsibilities.
Weight of Shadows, Handcut paper, 2022. Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, MO. Photo courtesy: Dusty Kessler
How do you measure success, both in your personal achievements and in your contributions to the wider community?
Success is very subjective. The only measure I have for myself is through constant learning and doing. If I have failed multiple times, I know what not to do and that is a measure of success as well!
What are some of your goals for the next year, or the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I would like to experiment with technology and incorporate more interactive elements into my practice.
What inspires you about St. Louis?
St Louis is my adopted home. I came from India and St Louis made me fall in love with its people, parks and libraries!
Can you share a time when experiencing or witnessing diversity significantly influenced your perspective or approach?
I can talk about my experience with the Community Arts Training program through the Regional Arts Commission. As an artist, I was working on finding my voice and expressing it through my artwork when I was selected to be a cohort in this group. It was eye opening to see a community of people who combined arts, advocacy and community engagement seamlessly into one other. I was inspired and motivated to look into my community and find their stories. This took me down a very different path and I have always appreciated the opportunity of sitting down and learning from this group of dedicated artists, educators and administrators!
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