Chawla Art Gallery in New Delhi recently hosted an exclusive artist-led walkthrough for its ongoing exhibition “Once Upon a Sculptor”, featuring eminent sculptor K. S. Radhakrishnan. The session offered attendees a close engagement with the artist’s work, guided by his personal reflections and insights into his long-standing practice.
An Immersive Walkthrough Experience
The walkthrough was designed as an immersive experience, allowing visitors to engage directly with the sculptures while hearing the artist speak about his creative journey. Radhakrishnan traced his evolution from early works to more recent pieces, discussing the conceptual and emotional layers that inform his practice.
Exploring the Artist’s Journey
During the session, the artist elaborated on the development of his visual language, highlighting recurring figures and themes. His narration provided context to the forms and gestures seen in his sculptures, offering audiences a deeper understanding of his artistic philosophy.
Exhibition Overview
“Once Upon a Sculptor” brings together a curated selection of works spanning several decades of Radhakrishnan’s career. The exhibition reflects shifts in form, expression, and philosophical inquiry, presenting a cohesive overview of his artistic trajectory.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
- Key sculptures representing different phases of the artist’s career
- Works that explore movement, duality, and human emotion
- A focus on the evolution of recurring forms and figures
Signature Forms and Practice
S. Radhakrishnan is widely recognised for his iconic Maiya and Musui figures. These sculptural forms are known for their dynamic movement and expressive posture, often reflecting themes of duality and the human condition. His work continues to hold a significant place in contemporary Indian sculpture.
Notable Attendees
The walkthrough was attended by a distinguished gathering of guests from diverse fields, including Amitabh Kant, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Dr Anupam Bhargava, Alok Shriram, and K. S. Mehta. The event also saw participation from collectors, members of the art community, and cultural enthusiasts.
Curatorial Perspective
Shibani Chawla, Director of Chawla Art Gallery and curator of the exhibition, noted that the show brings together works that trace the artist’s journey from early explorations to his later iconic forms. The exhibition reflects varied emotional and philosophical states that define Radhakrishnan’s evolving practice.
Continuing Engagement
The exhibition underscores the gallery’s ongoing association with the artist, including previous showcases and his solo presentation at India Art Fair 2015. It continues to attract interest from collectors, scholars, and wider audiences, offering a focused insight into one of India’s leading sculptors.
Event at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Once Upon a Sculptor |
| Artist | K. S. Radhakrishnan |
| Venue | Chawla Art Gallery |
| City | New Delhi |
| Exhibition | Ongoing |
| Organiser | Chawla Art Gallery |
| Entry | Open to visitors (details not specified) |
Takeaway
“Once Upon a Sculptor” presents not only a retrospective view of K. S. Radhakrishnan’s work but also an opportunity to engage with the ideas shaping contemporary Indian sculpture. The artist-led walkthrough adds depth to the viewing experience, encouraging audiences to reflect on form, movement, and human expression within a cultural context.
