Shaanthi Rajah’s practice is an expression of nostalgia, explored by creating playful sculptures that reference her childhood and mixed-cultural identity as a ‘third culture kid’. These elements of identity are sources of inspiration within multiple aspects of her practice, with challenges in her work rooted in how best to translate and communicate these into accessible physical formats.

Through a light-hearted interpretation of materials she also endeavours to question the language expressed through sculpture, and the ‘worth’ of everyday items when weighted against nostalgic value. Her sculptures reference urban structures and environments, which appear ‘ready-for-use’ and are suggestive of action and functionality, but have no intrinsic purpose and are subversive of any intention.