The First Big Break - Madras Art Guild

 

28 Art Installations, 12 Days, and a Lifetime of Lessons

As an artist, challenges are nothing new. Yet, there are moments that test your limits, redefine your resilience, and etch unforgettable memories into your journey. One such experience was creating 28 art installations for VR Chennai in just 12 days. It’s a story of passion, grit, and the sheer will to not just survive, but thrive under pressure.

The Beginning: A Grand Opportunity

When VR Mall approached DaVenn Creations to craft 28 unique installations, it was an exhilarating moment. This was a chance to showcase my art on a massive platform and create an immersive experience for thousands of visitors. However, the timeline was tight—12 days.

I’ve always believed in saying yes to bold opportunities and figuring out the "how" along the way. Little did I know, this would become a mantra that would carry me through some of the toughest days of my life.

The Curveball: When the Team Vanished

With a team of 15 volunteers, I felt confident that we could manage the ambitious workload. But by Day 3, the reality set in—13 people had dropped out. Whether it was the grueling hours, the demanding tasks, or unforeseen circumstances, I was left with only two dedicated teammates who stuck around. It was both humbling and terrifying.

The installations had to be completed—there was no room for excuses. Standing in the middle of an under-construction basement with barely any sleep, I made a decision: we would pull this off, no matter what.

Learning On the Job: Carpentry and Power Tools

Until this project, I had never used an electrical saw or done any serious carpentry. But necessity breeds resourcefulness. I spent hours watching tutorials, experimenting, and learning through trial and error. Every cut of wood, every drilled screw, and every assembly taught me something new. My hands bore the brunt of it, but my determination only grew stronger.

The Sacrifice: Sleepless Nights and Empty Stomachs

For five straight days, we worked around the clock, often without proper meals. The hours blurred into one another as we pushed ourselves to meet the impossible deadline. Nights turned into mornings, and mornings faded into afternoons. On the final day, none of us slept. We poured every ounce of energy into completing the installations, fueled by adrenaline, caffeine, and sheer willpower.

The Final Stretch: A Race Against Time

The last day was an all-nighter. The mall’s official opening loomed, and the pressure was immense. As we installed the final pieces, every moment felt like a countdown. With just seven minutes to spare, we secured the last installation. It was a surreal feeling to step back and see everything in place—the culmination of blood (I actually hurt myself pretty bad with the hot glue gun), sweat, and tears.

The Outcome: Gratitude and Growth

When the doors of VR Mall opened, the installations came alive with the energy of visitors. The vibrant pieces we’d created in such challenging conditions now had a life of their own. Seeing the smiles and hearing the appreciation made every sleepless night and every struggle worth it.

This experience taught me more than any textbook or workshop ever could. It reinforced the power of perseverance, the value of teamwork (even if it’s just two people), and the incredible things you can achieve when you refuse to give up.

Looking Back

Today, as I reflect on those 12 days, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude. To my two unwavering teammates, thank you for sticking by me when it mattered most. To the challenges that pushed me to the edge, thank you for shaping me into a stronger artist and entrepreneur.

To anyone reading this, know that no matter how daunting the task or how impossible the odds, there is always a way forward. Sometimes, it’s just seven minutes away.

Now, a year later I'm still proud about myself and the establishment reached out to us again for a show in 2025 and this is  I am going vlog.