Sculpted India: Art of sculpting space
The Sculpted India kiosk at Design Democracy offered a striking showcase of contemporary Indian sculpture, bringing together works by seven influential artists across modern and newer generations. Visitors were drawn into a dialogue between form and space as they moved among pieces by Krishen Khanna, Thota Vaikuntam, Jogen Chowdhury, Himmat Shah, Dhananjay Singh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, and Yashika Sugandh.
Curators emphasized sculpture as a mode of thought rather than a mere object, selecting works that reveal a tight bond between concept, material, and form. The exhibition highlighted everything from the iconic figurative language of Thota Vaikuntam to the narrative presence in Krishen Khanna’s larger pieces, while also giving space to younger creators who are expanding the sculptural lexicon.
At its core, Sculpted India aims to raise the profile of sculpture within the Indian art scene, arguing that the medium’s engagement with architecture, movement, and material makes it uniquely powerful. By presenting three‑dimensional works that change with the viewer’s perspective, the platform seeks deeper involvement from collectors, institutions, designers, and the broader public.
The impact was immediate: monumental works transformed the exhibition space, inviting viewers into a physical relationship with the art. Architects, designers, and art enthusiasts lingered, examining each piece from multiple angles. The enthusiastic response underscored a growing appetite for material‑driven, sculptural practice in India today.