Costume Designer
&
Theatrical Artisan
Vivian Krishnan is a multimedia artist with works that cross the vast stage of storytelling, from designing costumes for theatrical characters to writing and illustrating diverse children’s books. Vivian’s focus is creating accessible work and centering stories of minoritized people. She approaches subjects regarding mixed-race identity, colonization of the Global South, sustainability in art and the environment, all while reclaiming ancestral craft through costumes, textiles, and printmaking.
Upcoming 2023 productions include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA and 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.
Her past costume design work has been featured in productions such as Homegrown: An Insurrection Play, The Tempest, Lysistrata, The Wolves, Elephant’s Graveyard, The Nutcracker, and Doll’s House Part 2. She has also designed costumes for director Nisi Sturgis, on the short film, REDBALL. In addition to plays and film, she has designed several theatrical dance performances at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Vivian has worked on all aspects of costume design and production in Denver, Southern California, and Illinois to bring stories to life.
While much of her recent work has appeared on the stage, she began her studies of the fine arts while attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, located in the San Juan mountains of Colorado. There she received her bachelor’s focusing in printmaking and wearable art. She continues to grow her love for the outdoors. When not working on shows for theatre, Vivian fuels her artistic drive by writing, creating art, attending artist residencies, and tending to the garden. All while remaining a wilderness enthusiast staying inspired and healthy by going on as many nature excursions as possible!
Photograph by Parker Burr
Contact me
viviankrishnan@gmail.com
Artist Statement
As a fine artist with an interest in crafts, my body of artwork is made of a wide variety of 2D and 3D pieces. When approaching a new project one of the first components to consider is what materials will be used and how this particular element will best represent my idea. Finding new materials to work with in a nontraditional way is what makes every project exciting.
Over the years of learning about different artistic styles and art movements, Minimalism has been one that has made a great impression on the style I have created for myself. Maya Lin, Eileen Grey, and Eva Hesse are a few of the successful female figures that have influenced my art and who keep me motivated. Some reoccurring materials in my pieces include: paper, plastic bags, cardboard, and other recyclable materials. Finding new, odd materials, and utilizing them is always a challenge but also pushes for innovation and creativity. Exploring new resources means experimentation. In order to see if certain resources will work I make models or create swatches. There is much to be explored in a tactile way. Looking outside of traditional mediums is an ongoing process with endless ideas that need to be discovered. Everything I make should be enjoyable to work on. The outcome feels even better when others have the same enjoyable experience just by looking at a piece.