Sayak: By the time I completed my engineering studies, I had already delved deeply into writing, produced several of my own films, and created various forms of physical and digital art using the technology accessible to me at the time. As I began collaborating with filmmakers and artists, my objectives shifted towards exploring the realms of filmmaking and art, and contemplating the potential career paths within these fields. This experience provided valuable insight into the practical and less glamorous aspects of artistic creation. While I identify as a filmmaker, I also express myself through various other mediums.

Sayak: It wouldn't be entirely accurate to label myself as solely a self-taught art practitioner. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in an environment where art permeated my surroundings, thanks to my parents' interests and my own exploration of its diverse forms. While I've independently acquired numerous skills and shaped my educational path in the arts to a certain extent, I also underwent formal education during my pursuit of a Master's degree in Fine Arts. In my view, all learning ultimately stems from self-directed efforts. Formal education, however, provides access to a curated selection of study materials, mentors for guidance, and peers for collaboration — although these elements can also be found outside of institutional settings. As long as one remains receptive to learning from these interactions, I believe it's entirely feasible to develop one's own artistic abilities and comprehension.

Sayak: I would like to clarify that I did not start my 3D practice using lasers, although thinking about it, in a very crude sense I was using lasers all along, in that, the whole act of observation transmission to expression is not unlike lasers that can define points coherently. It was during my Masters studies that I started incorporating sensors and electronics into my sculptural/installation/new-media work and started exploring creative coding. I saw how technology is intrinsic to contemporary life and how I may be able to understand that by interacting with machines and making some of my own machines. 

Davangi: COVID happened when you were thinking of expanding your practice. You were limited to space. COVID certainly played a significant role in transforming your practice. Please share some insights and tell us more about it? 

Sayak: It was challenging to relinquish the physical expanse for idea exploration, yet I came to recognize that the digital realm also offers ample room for experimentation, learning, and creation. Thus, my studio transformed back into my machines, with my computer, tablet, or smartphone becoming my workspace, enabling me to create anywhere within the confines of my home. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the stark reality that the notion of work-life balance is often elusive; life itself is arduous work, and work, in turn, encompasses the challenges of life.

Sayak: The digital touch, by its very nature of omnipresence and mundanity, often feels impersonal. Unlike physical artwork, digital pieces lack tangible presence; they do not occupy physical space nor offer the illusion of touch. Digital art constantly adapts to spatial constraints, whereas physical art requires dedicated space for display. While the approach to digital art differs from that of physical art, the distinction isn't absolute. However, we still lack adequate means of viewing and comprehending digital art, much like we approach traditional art. Could digital artwork not possess the same impactful qualities as physical pieces? I believe the craftsmanship, time, and skill required for digital art creation are no less significant, yet we tend to apply outdated metrics in assessing its aura and economic value. Materiality does not equate to physicality. 

Davangi: Would you like to tell us about any future projects? What New media will you be experimenting with? 

Sayak: I am currently working on multiple projects, which will come to fruition over this year. I am keen on exploring various new-media tools to aid me in producing art objects, experiences and ghosts.