Meet Sean Sanjay Kumar, the Adelaide-based Artist & Sculptor Turning Trash to Treasure

Photo: Zane Qureshi

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Hey, my name is Sean, I am a sculptor, and I was born in Fiji. I came to Australia when I was two years old, and I’ve been living here since. 

How and when did you first get into art?

I have always been into drawing. I remember when I was 6 or 7, we used to go on long drives, and I would have this magic whiteboard that you could erase, and I was always doodling on that. 

How did your family and friends support your early aspirations in pursuing a creative career?

They did the best thing and let me have a big backyard to put all the junk that I collected off the streets. Considering that’s mostly what I use in my artwork, it was cool to have parents who let me use lots of space for my creative projects. All of my friends are supportive too. Some of my mates study fashion, and they are just the best people to be around because having that mutual understanding of creativity and being able to create the things you see in your head - it's very freeing. 

Do you take any elements or influence from your culture when you approach projects?

I’m interested in doing something like that and I want to elaborate on the country that I’m in. So right now most of my pieces are about the Australian context because I have grown up in Australia, using materials that people here have thrown away. I would love to do a similar thing in Fiji too. 

How would you describe your art style?

I would say it's very fond, very disregarded. I appreciate it when people find their meanings. 

What is one thing you would love to contribute back to your culture?

I would want people in my culture to know that it's okay to be creative. Life goes on, and you should be able to spend it doing what you like! 

Who inspires Sean?

My Dad inspires me a lot. Because when I was growing up he collected a bunch of things as well and I guess I picked up on that habit. And even now to this day I am getting suggestions for sculptures that I know are good but I don’t want them to overshadow mine. 

a few of Sean’s sculptures at his first exhibition.

Photo: Loki Hall @nofrontfilm

Do you have a favourite cultural dish that you or perhaps your family makes?

Yeah, we’ve got a bunch of fusion dishes because my heritage is a bit mixed. I would say a staple meal at my house is Tuna Curry. It is the best thing ever. It’s got a lot of onions, so it’s pretty healthy, and it also has that flavour from turmeric and all these spices that have been taken from my ancestors but then been placed on a tropical island. We also have a Fijian dish, which is fish cooked in lemon juice, and you eat it raw. It's like sushi but better. 

And what is one thing you would say to younger artists or someone who may want to pursue a career similar to yours?

Don’t be scared if you feel like you are copying someone else, because at some point, you will find the things that make your art unique to you. 

What’s your favourite artist atm?

Limp Biscuits, Rage Against the Machine and Daikaiju

What’s your favourite film?

I love films, I’ve got so many favourites. But my favourite horror film right now is the cabinet of dr Calgary. 

What can people expect to see from Sean in the coming months?

In the coming months, I am going to be more devoted to my sculptures than I have ever been before. I’m taking some time off to understand myself better. Hopefully lots more exhibitions too. 

@SEANSANJAYKUMARART