Clyde D’Mello, submitted artwork
Clyde D’Mello
Painting
India
Clyde D’Mello is an Indian artist whose work explores themes of belonging, migration, and cultural identity. Born in Mumbai, India, and raised in Bahrain, Clyde grew up immersed in diverse cultural influences, which shaped his artistic perspective. His early fascination with storytelling and unconventional forms emerged during his studies in Bangalore, where he earned a BFA in Art History in 2009. His thesis exhibition, A Toast to Barf, combined photography and written word, reflecting his interest in narrative-driven art. Clyde later pursued an MFA in History of Art and Painting at Visva-Bharati University, focusing on Representation of Political Violence in Indian Graphic Novels. This academic foundation deepened his exploration of visual storytelling. His artistic practice evolved further during residencies, including Arts 4 All in New Delhi and Abiko Open AIR in Japan, where he mastered Sumi ink, a medium integral to his work today. Over the years, Clyde’s art has been featured in exhibitions across India and the United States, including Man and the Skull at Alliance Française de Bangalore and Clockwork of Dreams and Reality at Time and Space Gallery. His hyper-realistic drawings blend colored pencils, graphite, and Sumi ink, delving into the complexities of identity and cultural transitions. Now based in The USA, New England , Clyde continues to create works that connect deeply with memory, migration, and diaspora experiences.
Works
Clyde D’Mello, submitted artwork
The Plague Series, a triptych created using colored pencils and Sumi ink on paper, is conceptually grounded in the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a harmonious blend of precise detail and expressive abstraction, the works delve into the intricate interplay between culture, power, and morality within the domains of medicine and human ambition. Each panel presents a distinct archetype: The Carrier, adorned with a gold tiffin symbolizing sustenance and transmission; The Student, holding Miamsa: Money and Disease, reflecting the commodification of knowledge; and The Tycoon, a two-faced magnate embodying corporate duplicity. This series invites viewers to contemplate the ethical and systemic complexities that are amplified during global crises.
