Kaghaz Ki Kashti: Rajesh Ram’s Retrospective Revisits Childhood Memories at Bihar Museum

Bihar Museum, in collaboration with Palette Art Gallery, will present Kaghaz Ki Kashti – Retracing Memories of Boyhood, a major retrospective exhibition by contemporary sculptor Rajesh Ram from 7 August to 7 September 2026 in Patna. Bringing together an extensive body of work spanning different phases of the artist’s career, the exhibition traces his journey from a rural childhood in Jharkhand to becoming one of India’s recognised contemporary sculptors. The presentation also marks a significant return to Bihar, where Ram received his formal art education before establishing his professional practice. 

Childhood as Artistic Memory

The exhibition draws upon Rajesh Ram’s personal experiences of growing up in a village, transforming everyday memories into sculptural narratives. Images of paper boats, rivers, trees, birds and children appear throughout the exhibition, creating a visual language that reflects themes of memory, ecology, migration, belonging and the relationship between people and nature.

Rather than presenting childhood as nostalgia alone, the sculptures examine how early experiences continue to shape identity and contemporary life. The works invite visitors to consider shared human experiences through familiar scenes rooted in rural landscapes. 

Sculptural Language Rooted in Rural India

Born in rural Jharkhand, Rajesh Ram was introduced to modelling through local artisans who crafted clay idols for religious festivals before studying at Patna Art College. This early exposure to folk traditions continues to influence his practice, alongside concerns surrounding environmental change, social transformation and community life.

Working primarily in bronze, while also employing wood, terracotta and mixed media, Ram has developed a sculptural vocabulary that combines technical precision with poetic storytelling. His works frequently depict seemingly ordinary moments a child balancing on a tree branch, a bird preparing for flight or a paper boat floating downstream which become symbols of hope, resilience and aspiration. 

Exhibition Highlights

Visitors can expect an overview of the artist’s evolving practice through works inspired by memory and landscape.

Highlights include:

• Bronze, wood, terracotta and mixed-media sculptures
• Themes of childhood, migration and belonging
• Sculptural interpretations of rural folklore and oral traditions
• Works reflecting ecological awareness and community life
• One of the artist’s most comprehensive retrospective presentations to date

Collaboration Between Bihar Museum and Palette Art Gallery

The exhibition has been organised by Palette Art Gallery in collaboration with Bihar Museum. Established in 2001 by designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Palette Art Gallery has built a reputation for supporting contemporary Indian artists and presenting exhibitions that encourage dialogue between modern and contemporary artistic practices. Over the past two decades, the gallery has worked with several established names in Indian contemporary art while continuing to mentor emerging artists through exhibitions and curatorial initiatives. 

Bihar Museum, meanwhile, has increasingly become an important cultural institution in eastern India, presenting exhibitions that connect regional artistic traditions with wider national and international conversations.

Visitor Information

Looking Beyond Nostalgia

While rooted in autobiographical memories, Kaghaz Ki Kashti – Retracing Memories of Boyhood extends beyond personal storytelling. Through sculptures inspired by everyday rural life, Rajesh Ram reflects on changing landscapes, environmental concerns and the enduring value of community. The retrospective provides audiences with an opportunity to engage with an artistic practice that bridges folk traditions and contemporary sculpture, encouraging reflection on how memory shapes cultural identity and our relationship with the natural world.