Chawla Art Gallery has announced the release of Once Upon a Sculptor, a self-authored book by noted Indian sculptor KS Radhakrishnan. Published to mark the artist’s 70th birthday, the book presents a reflective and scholarly account of his personal and artistic journey, situating his work within the broader narrative of modern Indian sculpture.
Tracing an Artistic Evolution
The publication follows Radhakrishnan’s trajectory from his early years as an aspiring artist to his formal education at Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan. It documents how his engagement with drawing, form, and material developed into a sustained sculptural practice shaped by mentorship and institutional exposure. The book offers insight into the formation of his artistic language and conceptual concerns.
Sculptural Language and Key Series
Radhakrishnan is widely recognised for his work in bronze and for sculptural compositions that combine emotional depth with technical precision. The book examines major bodies of work, including the Maiya and Musui series, alongside recurring motifs such as small human figures emerging from boats and box-like structures.
Key Highlights of the Book:
- Exploration of the Maiya and Musui series
- Recurring motifs of human figures in transitional spaces
- Engagement with themes of migration, identity, and resilience
- Contextual placement within Indian contemporary sculpture
Context and Cultural Engagement
The volume situates Radhakrishnan’s practice within larger artistic and cultural frameworks. It also documents his interactions with galleries, collectors, and institutions that have contributed to shaping his career over decades. Additionally, the book discusses the foundation supported by the artist and its cultural objectives.
Artist’s Perspective
Reflecting on his experiences, Radhakrishnan notes the influence of migration and urban transformation on his work, drawing from his own journey from Kerala to Santiniketan and later to Delhi. His observations on the emergence of modest urban dwellings and the lives within them inform the symbolic vocabulary seen in his sculptures.
Association with Chawla Art Gallery
The publication also reflects the long-standing association between the artist and Chawla Art Gallery. The gallery has previously presented his works in group exhibitions and showcased a solo presentation at the India Art Fair in 2015. It also houses important sculptures in its private collection, reinforcing its ongoing engagement with his practice.
Book Details and Availability
Once Upon a Sculptor is authored by KS Radhakrishnan and published by Chawla Art Gallery. The book is priced at INR 3,500 and will be available on Amazon and select bookstores shortly.
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| Aspects | Details |
| Event | Once Upon a Sculptor (Book Release) |
| Artist | KS Radhakrishnan |
| Venue | Chawla Art Gallery |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | On the occasion of artist’s 70th birthday |
| Organiser | Chawla Art Gallery |
| Entry / Tickets | Book priced at INR 3,500 |
| Website / Registration | Available on Amazon and select bookstores |
About the Artist
Born in 1956 in Kerala, KS Radhakrishnan is a prominent contemporary Indian sculptor known for his sustained engagement with bronze. A graduate of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, he completed his MFA in 1981 and later received a research grant from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. With over fifteen solo exhibitions and participation in major international shows, his work has gained wide recognition.
Takeaway
Once Upon a Sculptor offers both visual and intellectual insight into KS Radhakrishnan’s oeuvre, bringing together personal reflection and critical analysis. As a self-authored account, it contributes to the documentation of contemporary Indian art history while offering readers a deeper understanding of the artist’s evolving practice and cultural context.
