Changing perspective in current sculptures

India is widely known for its magnificent sculptures in the realm of visual art. Sculptures made by the Harrappan artists nearly 5000 years ago are a mark of immense excellence. Again small in size terracotta human figures excavated from Mahenjodaro are also invaluable wealth in our art treasures. These glorious tradition was flowing with all its splendour except a break in the medieval period due to Islamic invasion and anti-image worshipping attitude.

Unfortunately, inspite of such long resplendent heritage, sculpture consciousness amidst the common people is not enthusiastic. On the other hand sculpture shows are few in comparison to painting exhibition, as art galleries tend to mount painting exposition for its increasing commercial viability. At this juncture Aakriti Art Gallery established in 2005 has introduced a separate space in the same premises adjacent to the painting gallery in 2006 exclusively for sculpture. Some significant sculpture shows held in this modern equipped wonderful gallery have already drawn the attention of the viewers.

Recently they have hosted a remarkable one man show of Satish Gujaral (b.1925), one of the most distinguished artist of contemporary art scene. This presentation includes marvelous drawings, canvas paintings, burnt wood works and bronze sculpture of the many faced artist. Though he excelled with equal ease in all the mediums, but sculptures drew special attention to the viewers for its emotional and sensory appeal with a feeling of motion and sensuality. Other characteristic qualities includes grandeour, drama, monumentalityy and rich bright surface treatment. Moreover, slightly distorted figures denote primitive strength along side innate beauties. Perfection of skill and dexterity of the artist are also vividly evident in the forceful bronze executions.  

Another most noteworthy sculpture display was in the same venue on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebration of The Society of Contemporary Artists group. Exhibitions included 46 sculptures made by 23 members of the Society in a workshop. Except associates like Niranjan Pradhan, Manik Talukdar, Bimal Kundu, Sunil Kumar Das, rest participants are painters and print makers who lent hands in the making of three dimensional art works, and have produced aesthetically excellent sculptures beyond exsisting styles. Painters and print makers like Amitabha Banerjee, Sunil Das, Sanat Kar, B.R. Panesar, Ganesh Haloi, Suhas Roy, Sadhan Chakraborty, Atin Basak, Pradip Maitra, Manoj Dutta, Partha Dasgupta, Atanu Bhattacharya, Aditya Basak and others have imparted their realization through new medium with the view to give a third dimension and successfully they have turned out their potential into it. In fact, it was amazing to see that typical individual styles and aesthetic values of most of the artists have been reflected crystal clear in their all round forms in bronze. This exhibits have mesmerized the viewers for their marvel, fresh yet unusual look. Apart from these Aakriti was held an interesting sculpture show at Hyderabad joint collaboration with Kalakriti. viewers for their marvel, fresh yet unusual look. Apart from these Aakriti also held an interesting sculpture show at Hyderabad in joint collaboration with Kalakriti.

Before the foundation of Society of Contemporary Artists (1960), many art groups since the inception of the Brush Club in late 1830 have sprang up with myriad aims and objects. But unfortunately no such art organization spread its wing absolutely for the development of the sculpture. However, at long last former principal of the Government College of Art and Craft as well as eminent sculptor Chintamoni Kar (1915-2005) felt the need and formed a group titled Painters and Sculptors Association (1962). Later he initiated a group particularly for the all round progress of sculpture only in the year 1967, known as Sculptors Guild, but unfortunately it was short lived. However, in the back ground of such frustrating experience Calcutta Sculptors (1993) came up as a lone slendour in this domain. Recently the sculpture works of its 15 members were on display at Academy of Fine Arts revealing varied forms and contents which gave a joyful experience to many of the viewers. to many of the viewers.

Known as Sculptors Guild, but unfortunately it was short lived. However, in the back ground of such frustrating experience Calcutta Sculptors (1993) came up as a lone slendour in this domain. Recently the sculpture works of its 15 members were on display at Academy of Fine Arts revealing varied forms and contents which gave a joyful experience to many of the viewers. to many of the viewers.

Amongst the current sculpture shows Kerala born (b. 1956) K.S. Radhakrishnan's works deserves to be mentioned. Exposition was sponsored by the Birla Academy of Art & Culture. Expressive dancing, frolicking, tumbling bronze human figures are silly and thin, characterized by sensual sensibility. Moving works imply mixture of individual insight and universal vision.

Three dimensional bronze representations of Debabrata De (b.1959) highlighted neglected poverty-stricken people of different spheres of the society. Sculptures are comprised of single figures and group compositions, both of which depicted the pathetic human condition, represented by naturalistic approach with a sense of humour. This delightful delineations found space by the courtesy of Gallery Sanskriti.

Above discussed shows are momentous in the sense that they may have given a small insight to the onlookers about the current sculptural trends.