A curated presentation of modern and contemporary Indian sculpture will be showcased at Design Democracy Hyderabad from 18–20 September 2026. Presented by Sculpted India, the exhibition will bring together works by several prominent Indian artists including Thota Vaikuntam, Krishen Khanna, M.F. Husain, Himmat Shah, Jogen Chowdhury, Dhananjay Singh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi and Yashika Sugandh. The showcase will be located at Booth C20 and aims to highlight the evolving role of sculpture within contemporary art, architecture and design.
Bringing Sculpture into Design Conversations
The presentation has been organised by Sculpted India, led by Sanya Malik, Raj Manohar Thota and Abhivardhan Berry. According to the organisers, the exhibition seeks to position sculpture more prominently within discussions around interiors, architecture and cultural spaces. The selected works explore themes of identity, culture, nature, human existence and the built environment through a variety of materials and artistic approaches.
The exhibition also examines how sculptural forms interact with contemporary living environments, offering visitors an opportunity to consider sculpture not only as an art object but as an element that shapes spatial experience.
Artists Across Generations
The exhibition brings together artists from different generations of Indian art, creating a dialogue between established modern masters and contemporary practitioners.
Artists presented include:
- Thota Vaikuntam
- Krishen Khanna
- M.F. Husain
- Himmat Shah
- Jogen Chowdhury
- Dhananjay Singh
- Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi
- Yashika Sugandh
The range of participating artists reflects the diversity of sculptural practice in India, from figurative and narrative approaches to explorations of abstraction, materiality and form.
Spotlight on Thota Vaikuntam
Among the featured artists is Thota Vaikuntam, one of India’s best-known contemporary artists. Born in Telangana, Vaikuntam is recognised for his vivid portrayals of rural life and distinctive depictions of Telangana women. Over several decades, his work has become closely associated with the visual culture of the region. While widely known for painting, he has also expanded his practice into sculpture, exploring how his iconic figures can be translated into three-dimensional form.
His artistic career includes studies at the College of Fine Arts in Hyderabad and later at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda under the guidance of K.G. Subramanyan. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has received several major recognitions.
About Sculpted India
Sculpted India describes itself as a platform dedicated to advancing modern and contemporary Indian sculpture. The initiative was founded with the objective of increasing the visibility of sculpture within India’s broader cultural landscape.
Beyond exhibitions, the organisation focuses on public installations, collaborations with institutions and immersive experiences that encourage wider engagement with sculptural practice. The initiative argues that sculpture has often remained underrepresented within mainstream art conversations despite its long-standing importance in India’s artistic traditions.
Design Democracy 2026 Venue
The showcase forms part of Design Democracy 2026, scheduled to take place at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad from 18–20 September 2026. The design fair is expected to feature more than 200 exhibitors and a range of programmes related to architecture, interiors, design and visual culture.
By situating sculpture within a design-focused event, the presentation seeks to create new audiences for the medium and encourage dialogue between artists, architects, designers and collectors.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitors can expect:
- Modern and contemporary Indian sculptures by leading artists
- Works exploring identity, culture and the built environment
- Diverse materials and sculptural techniques
- Opportunities to engage with sculpture in a design context
- A curated presentation linking art, architecture and interiors
Visitor Information
| Event Name | Sculpted India at Design Democracy Hyderabad 2026 |
| Venue | Design Democracy 2026, Booth C20, HITEX Exhibition Centre |
| City | Hyderabad, India |
| Opening Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 18–20 September 2026 |
| Organiser | Sculpted India |
| Entry / Tickets | As per Design Democracy visitor pass requirements |
| Website | https://designdemocracy.in |
Conclusion
The Sculpted India presentation offers a focused look at the breadth of modern and contemporary Indian sculpture while placing the medium within wider conversations around design and space. By bringing together artists from different generations, the exhibition highlights the continuing evolution of sculptural practice in India and its relevance to contemporary cultural and design discourse. The showcase also provides an opportunity for audiences to engage more closely with a medium that continues to shape public, private and architectural environments.
