Neeraj Gupta’s king-size sculpture in Makrana marble displayed at Bikaner House is an engaging piece of public art that enriches the sculptural landscape Artist Neeraj Gupta’s sculpture titled, As the wind rises, installed at the Bikaner House is carved out of a single stone, the timeless pink Makrana marble. At a glance it tells you how the sculptor has transcended conventional boundaries to give a new dimension to Indian sculpting forms. His work of art has the ability to communicate. What is interesting is the solo sculpture strategically placed in the open courtyard near the entrance of Gate No. 2, makes for a full exhibition. Visitors stop by the 10-feet tall artwork weighing 4.2 tonnes, either out of curiosity or fascinated by its flowing lines. “Art is fundamentally subjective. The intent is to enable people appreciate and remember a work of passion,” says Neeraj, who is also the president of Delhi Art Society. Pink Makrana marble ...
The Sculptors who were trained in the academic pragmatist style at British art schools usually worked on secular subjects – ancient and medieval Indian customs, where myths and deities were a part of the major themes. Sculptures these days are being created to cater the demands of the emerging upper and middle social classes. It was only during the year 1940’s and 1950’s that Indian modern sculpture developed a unique aboriginal language; which was first represented by the works of Ram Kinker Baij one of the best sculpture artist in India. His art was a fresh outlook at both western and traditional Indian norms, combining them in a modern framework. He also experimented with unconventional material such as concrete, gravel and cement, making his art a mirror into the rural landscape and tribal communities of India. The year 1950’s was marked by experimentations with wood and stone, which retained the essential character of the solid block. The next two decades saw sculptors use v...