Image: Working on the finalist artwork for the Australian Wearable Art Festival, 2025, image courtesy the artist.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Swapna Namboodiri’s art practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of upcycled materials, transforming discarded objects into meaningful sculptural artworks. Through the process of deconstruction and reassembly, she aims to challenge perceptions of value and waste, highlighting the beauty and potential of materials that have been overlooked or discarded by society. Swapna’s artworks are an expression of sustainability, creativity and the constant evolution of form. Each work is a dialogue between the past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the objects around them, as well as the impact of consumption and disposability in our world.
How would you describe your practice in 5 words?
Ecological
Structural
Biomorphic
Tactile
Transformative
Which artists do you draw inspiration from?
There is a larger list of artists, but top 5 picks would be these legends.
El Anatsui
Tony Cragg
Tara Donovan
Sheila Hicks
Iris van Herpen
Is there an artistic medium you’re wanting to, but are yet to try?
3D printing using upcycled plastics has been something that I had been procrastinating over recent years. The intersection of technology and nature could offer some exciting possibilities for evolving my sculptural language. I’m also drawn to the concept of resin casting especially for its ability to preserve and transform fragile, discarded elements within solid forms. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with upcycled plastics combining fashion waste, aiming to merge tactile softness with structural integrity.
What does a day in the studio encompass?
Best are the days when I start my studio time with a Sudoku! I usually have multiple projects progressing simultaneously – so prioritizing the day’s tasks is key. Depending on the project phase, I may sort plastics, stain and assemble them, explore various formations, create prototypes or complete an artwork. Documenting my process, experimenting and having fun with the materials and constant learning, are integrated throughout my days. Since my weekdays are structured around a tight schedule — including mom duties, school run, art admin, packing and shipping artworks— I try to work within focused time blocks, which often helps streamline decision-making and prioritize key stages in art practice.
How has your practice evolved?
My practice has evolved through a process of continuous experimentation and self-guided learning, shaped by my background as a software engineer and my transition into art without formal training. Initially, I approached materials with curiosity and logic, exploring their properties through trial, error and iterative making. I started by creating small experimental textures using plastic scraps. Over time, my practice has become more refined and conceptually grounded, where ecological awareness, structure and material transformation guide my decisions. My work has expanded in both scale and scope — from small textures to large-scale, site-specific installations that engage directly with space, environment, and audience. Most recently, being selected as a finalist in an Australian Wearable Art Festival 2025, has marked a new phase in my practice, while broadening my horizons. I believe this journey — rooted in curiosity, sustainability and cross-disciplinary thinking — continues to evolve as I integrate new materials and deeper ecological engagement into my sculptural practice.
Images: Swapna Namboodiri, Inflorescence, 2024, floral sculpture using hundreds of collected PET bottles, image courtesy the artist; Swapna Namboodiri, Verdure, 2025, commissioned wall installation for the City of Burnside, upcycled plastics, metal wire, fabric on wooden panel, image courtesy the artist.