Concrete Citizens

by Sidhya Tikku

Sidhya Tikku is an award-winning, New York–based creative technologist whose practice operates at the confluence of contemporary art, computational systems, photography, and artificial intelligence. Educated in Communication Design at Parsons School of Design and further shaped by interdisciplinary study at Cornell Tech, his work is informed by both critical design discourse and emerging technological paradigms. His artistic output traverses digital media and algorithmic experimentation while remaining grounded in materially expressive photographic forms, including film, Polaroid, and digitally mediated imagery. Through this hybrid practice, Tikku investigates perception, temporality, and the evolving relationship between human authorship and machine intelligence, positioning his work within a broader international dialogue on art, systems, and post-digital culture. About the artwork: "Concrete Citizens" is an evocative series of images captured in the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of New York City over the past three years. This collection, comprising both film and digital photographs, offers a multifaceted exploration of the metropolis through various perspectives, seasons, and atmospheres. Each image eloquently portrays the intricate dance between individuals and the urban fabric, revealing the myriad ways in which they navigate and engage with the city's complex systems. This series stands as a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of New Yorkers, illustrating their collective journey through the trials of inflation, terrorism, pandemic, and violence. "Concrete Citizens" celebrates the city's capacity for healing and renewal, showcasing the unwavering strength of its inhabitants as they "let go" of their fears to rise above adversity and emerge even stronger.