With Everyday Objects, This Artist Turns the Mundane into Magic

From power cables to broken bangles, Raj Kamal gives life to the lifeless.

Imagination, a childlike curiosity, and a love for his craft set Kamal’s art apart from all the rest. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

For illustrator Raj Kamal, the beauty of childlike imagination is never quite lost. His work, largely displayed on his Facebook and Flickr pages is a curious mix of creative object placement and topical social commentary, blended together in a manner that’ll make you laugh, cry and introspect – all at the same time.

Speaking to The Quint, Raj opened up about his art, his intense passion for his work, and well as his simple expectations of it.

Art in the World Around Him

Out of all of Raj’s art, his album titled ‘imagination’ – where mundane aspects of our daily lives are made into quirky pieces of art – is perhaps his most intriguing.

Dreams of a singer, reality of a sieve. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

While Raj admits that his work is nothing new, he does point out that his art is simply an extension of who he is. He explains that he simply sees everyday objects in a light that is different to someone else's.

When someone says ‘That’s a chair,’ I say ‘That’s a rectangle with four cylinders’.

Raj said.

Your wings can be made out of anything, you just have to believe that you can fly. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

While some might find his work simple, Raj believes that there is a lot that goes into every one of his creations, in order to make it relatable to a wide audience.

Simplicity doesn’t take away from the effort I put in. I have to get the right moment, the right background, and right tools to make the right image.

They’re always watching. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

The Message He Wants to Give

In the fast-paced digitally-dependant modern world, Raj feels it is imperative that artists don’t forget to be responsible with what they present and how they present it.

While my art is for my own enjoyment, we mustn’t forget the responsibility an artist bears towards society.

This aspect of his art is displayed in many works, where he brings pertinent issues to life in simple but poignant ways.

Crumpled, but not torn. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

Raj feels that his art will truly mean something when someone who has nothing to do with art can appreciate his work.

Bangles break, but their colours do not. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)

His Advice for Young Artists

Raj is confident in his own abilities, and believes that art, and the ability to express it on a variety of platforms, has made it more accessible than ever.

Although, he is fearful of young artists wanting their art to ‘go viral’ more than anything else. He feels that no one should lose the emotional side of their art for the sake of publicity.

Don’t just ride the wave, sail above it. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Raj)