Neeraj Gupta’s wooden sculpture, “Divine Victory,” (or Sri Ram Vijay) captures the essence of a triumphant homecoming in a unique and contemporary style. Currently exhibited as part of the “Ramayana Chitra Kavyam” at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the sculpture offers a timeless portrayal of Lord Rama and Sita. The wooden sculpture stands tall, nearly six feet high and over five feet wide. Gupta employs a light terracotta finish, lending a sense of warmth and antiquity to the piece. The figures of Rama and Sita are the central focus, Rama depicted in a standing posture with his bow and quiver, symbolizing his victory. Sita, by his side, is draped in flowing attire, radiating an air of serenity. An interesting aspect of the sculpture is the faceless depiction of the central figures. Gupta deliberately avoids rendering noses and eyes on Rama and Sita. This, he explains, creates a blend of figuration and abstraction, elevating the work from mere craft to contemporary art...
The history of India has been rich in various forms of art be it music, singing, painting and making sculptures. Sculpting is a three-dimensional art form that involves carving and modeling, in various mediums like stone, metal, wood etc. to create a visual splendor. This art form has witnessed immense patronage in India by the various rulers who ruled it, and hence, the sculptures depict a history and provide insights to that era. India’s first sculptures were mostly made in stone, terra cotta and bronze and were found in the Indus Valley Civilization. During the Maurya dynasty, most sculptures were in a story telling format, depicting the religions prevalent during those times, namely, Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhists sculptures and art-form became prolific during this period and the best works of this era were the Great Stupa at Sanchi. With the surge of Hinduism during the fourth century, the era was marked by innumerable images of popular Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Udai...