Krishna Balakrishnan
Krishna Balakrishnan is a visual artist and curator who uses graphic design, research and criticism to visually communicate ideas of everyday human experience (in and out of linear perspective) and cultural sustainability. In his visual art, he creates representation of hybrid identities through mixing concepts and materials relating to Hindu epics and myths, comic-book superheroes and Disney princesses; images and text intertwine to narrate a collection of diverse cultural references. He creates illustrations, collages, screen and Intaglio prints. He designs for books, magazines, posters, letters, marketing materials and websites. He mixes commissions with self-initiated projects. He has a Master of Design degree from York University in Toronto, Canada and a Master of Arts degree in curation from Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. He also teaches contextual and theoretical studies at the Design School, London College of Communication and Central Saint Martins.
Why Khameleon?
There is a fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. There are those who believe in decolonisation to be a complete rejection of western European pedagogy and thought but I find it equally problematic to discourse on equality and safe spaces. I think what Khameleon is doing is creating a safe space but challenging hurdles that we experience and presenting ourselves to a larger platform. Khameleon is not about the exotic Other, confusing Other, unwanted Other but about progressive, forward-thinking thoughts coming together to give multiple perspectives to often marginalised voices and bodies. Getting to know the company while creating the brand identity and website, I have become possessive of this company and feel privileged to see it develop.