At the heart of Nungambakkam, nestled within the confines of the Art Houz gallery, an exquisite array of metal, wood, and ceramic sculptures are showcased in all their wonder, each telling its own unique story. Precisely fifty-two pieces come together in a myriad of forms, sizes, and shapes—spanning delicate human figures, wooden animals adorned with leather and fabric, ceramic plates, and imposing monochrome clay blocks. This vibrant collection offers a comprehensive snapshot of India’s contemporary sculpture landscape, aptly named AI 50. The exhibition is a continuation of AI 100, an initiative launched last year which focused on contemporary painting.
Poornima Shivram, the curator of AI 50, reflects on the exhibition by inviting viewers to ponder the interplay between form, material, and theme. “The power of connection and communication stands at the core of the collection,” she articulates.
One of the standout pieces in the small but densely packed gallery space is M Basavaraj’s “Face 5,” a bust meticulously sculpted from fibreglass. This distinctive creation captures the enigmatic essence of the natural world. The gallery hosts a diverse range of forms and figures that encapsulate the essence of human experience alongside intricate animal representations, demonstrating mastery over an array of challenging mediums.
Senior artist Venkatachalapathi presents a captivatingly abstract bronze sculpture titled “Harmony.” This piece eloquently marries classical and modernist influences, exemplifying the artist’s profound familiarity with the bronze medium accrued over decades of practice. The almost turquoise bronze piece titled “Capcut” by S Kantha Reddy stands as another unmissable highlight. With a touch of surrealism, it epitomizes the struggle between modern urban life and traditional values, featuring a weary face weighed down by protruding threads of molten metal.
Elanchezhiyan’s sculptural works, another celebrated inclusion, resonate with the same dedication to detail and storytelling. G Subramaniam’s “Flute Player,” a small sculpture of a girl wielding a flute, is imbued with profound personal sentiment.
. Known largely for his collages, Subramaniam ventured into sculpture in 2019, driven by the memory of his daughter who passed away at the tender age of nine. As he explains, “This May 19, she would have turned 40.” The ‘girl’ series, a tribute to his daughter, vividly captures his early memories of her. Subramaniam remains fascinated by bronze and finds solace in the ‘lost wax method,’ a technique he continues from his collage days.
In a similar vein, Shanta Samantha’s work from 2020 titled “Jumping” displays a figure mid-leap, exuding a sense of wild abandon and joyous liberation. The work’s detailing creates a delicate and nimble form, much like Subramaniam’s creations. Both artists’ works transform their emotional experiences into tangible aesthetic expressions.
The gallery also features quirky, contemporary collectibles among the more traditional and emotionally charged pieces. Neelam Chauhan’s piece, reminiscent of Edvard Munch’s famed painting “Scream,” introduces an element of pop culture into the mix. Similarly, Srinia Chowdhury’s small paper clay ceramic work, rich with vibrant colors, invites viewers to reflect on societal conditioning, especially as it pertains to the toys of our childhood.
With the aim of condensing such a diverse cross section of India’s sculpting practice within a ‘white cube’ space, AI 50 extends an invitation for viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and dig deeper into the conceptual interplay that defines each piece. Curator Poornima Shivram concludes, emphasizing that the varied collection seeks to transcend mere visual appeal and engage the audience on a more profound level.
AI 50 will be open to the public until May 30 at Art Houz gallery in Nungambakkam. For more details, interested visitors can contact 7397745684.
