Ashok Sinha

Ashok Sinha shoots lifestyle and creative culture through a contemporary architectural lens and creates large-scale photographs that capture a sense of place tied to natural and built environments.

What necessities do you require when making your art (radio, specific lenses, etc.)?

It all starts with a compelling idea and a vision. The choice of camera, lens, and then everything else comes next.

What drew you to photography?

I was drawn by the camera’s use as a tool to tell stories that I was interested in and share a view of the world that only I could see, informed by my interests, my background, and life experiences.

What is the most difficult part of the artistic process for you?

Finding an idea or a story that also translates well into visuals and successfully encapsulates the original concept, is often the most difficult part of the process that takes a lot of time and trial and error.

How has your work developed in the past few years, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

I have been increasingly drawn to subject matter that involves the built environment, and how design influences the way we live and work, as well as how we perceive the world around us. My commercial career as an architectural photographer also affects how I compose and execute images technically.

Where do you find your day-to-day inspiration?

I am often inspired by painters and other artists who create non-photo-based works. News and magazine articles also influence the ideas and stories that I choose to pursue.

Are you influenced by any author or non-visual artist? Are you influenced by any artist that does something completely different than you?

I am influenced by many artists who don’t make photo-based art. One, in particular, is Olafur Eliasson, who creates installations and amazing works of sculptures that push the boundaries of imagination.

I have been increasingly drawn to subject matter that involves the built environment, and how design influences the way we live and work, as well as how we perceive the world around us.

Ashok Sinha

Is there any artwork on display in your home/studio? Whose is it?

I have been collecting photo-based art for a few years now, especially by Magnum photographers such as David Hurn who photographed the Beatles extensively, as well as sketches and drawings by international figures such as Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamin.

What’s one of your favorite objects you own? What’s the story?

An antique Chinese vase that I purchased from the Prince Gong Palace in Beijing on a trip in 2000. Sadly, it was shattered in an unforeseen accident a few years ago, but it was reincarnated and restored by my sister, a clay artist, using the Japanese technique of Kintsugi.

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an avid collector of vintage Matchbox (die cast) cars made by the Lesney company that shut down in 1982. I recently acquired a complete collection in immaculate condition, complete with a toy store display case!

What’s next for you?

I am currently exploring and working on incorporating my photography into mixed media art, and interpreting my ideas through the use of layered storytelling.

Published December 20, 2022.