The fourth edition of the Sculpture Park at Madhavendra Palace housed within the Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur is a delight to behold. The show is being hosted by the Saat Saath Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan. Curated by Peter Nagy, the exhibition showcases the three-dimensional works of artists within the courtyard and indoors of the spectacular 19th Century Palace, constructed within a 17th Century Fort.
The artists whose works are a part of the showcase include Avantika Bawa from USA/India, Sudipta Das, Nandan Ghiya, Bhuvanesh Gowda, Murari Jha, Megha Joshi, Vineet Kacker, Suhasini Kejriwal, and Riyas Komu from India, along with Alicja Kwade from Germany, and French artist Martha-Marie LeBars.
What sets the Sculpture Park apart from the white cube gallery spaces is the historical location transporting viewers to a bygone era. In this fourth edition of the sculpture park, artists have created completely new site-specific works which are fitting perfectly within the natural landscape. Materials deployed in these creations are sourced by most artists from the local areas and are a perfect reflection of our rich cultural heritage.
Image Courtesy: Nature Morte, New Delhi
German artist Alicja’s creation ‘Superposition,’ occupies pride of place, at the central courtyard and features steel frames that are interlocked and lead on to a folding screen. The artefact is flanked by bronze chairs adorned by a spherical-shaped stone representing the planets of the solar system and the world beyond. Each of these have been sourced from local artisans and are an ode to India. The maze of mirrored panels add to the element of drama, leaving the viewers bedazzled.
Image courtesy: The Guild, Mumbai and Alibaug
Riyas Komu’s unique and one-of-a-kind installation, entitled ‘Ballad of the Distracted vs Cult of the Dead and Memory Loss,’ is an homage to his early years spent in the slums of Mumbai. As a young immigrant from Kerala, Riyas has created this compelling machinery like structure that comprises a motley mix of every day objects ranging from a car battery burlap sacks, wood, metal, plastic and rubber, and even a car engine.
Image courtesy: Exhibit 320, New Delhi
Jaipur born artist Nandan Ghiya explores mixed media in his new three-dimensional work. The awe-inspiring installation is made from recycled furniture and other elements inspired from local Rajasthani architecture. Nandan was a frequent visitor at the Madhavendra Palace in his childhood. Through his creation, the artist expresses how the influx of digital media and the unrelenting pursuits of real estate have led to the erosion of the heritage and culture of Rajasthan like many other states.
‘A Pink Scaffold in the Pink City,’ has been created by artist Avantika Bawa. This is a continuation of The Scaffold Series, which began in 2012. In this version, clusters of dominantly pink, with hints of turquoise scaffolds are arranged on the top level of Nahargarh Fort, and are also visible from the terrace. The scaffold is compelling not only as a form, but also as a metaphor. The artist describes it as ‘a bridge from one state to another. It spans, connects, and supports, then vanishes.’
Bawa’s installation has been supported by The Oregon Arts Commission, The Ford Family Foundation of Oregon, Washington State University, and Blueprint 12 of New Delhi.
Megha Joshi’s work is untitled and is a composition of incense sticks. These appear in myriad hues of undersea flowers and plant, making her installations that are suspended from the roof and displayed in innovative ways. Viewing these installations is a very ethereal experience.
Sudipta Das’s use of handmade paper in her figurative sculpture highlights the plight of immigrants and their response to climate change and new identities and cultures. Using the Dakjee doll-making technique, which she learned during her residency in Korea in 2017, Das creates an immense and evocative artwork that is thought-provoking and moving at the same time.
Bhuvanesh Gowda’s sculptures are constantly moving between the figurative and the abstract. The artist explores the infinite and the unknown amidst this material and tangible world, and his creation brings elements from ancient scriptures, living cultures and quantum physics.
Murari Jha’s creation embodies every day found objects that blend in a potpourri of materials that offer fleeting glimpses of daily life in all its enigma and simplicity. This creates an interesting dialogue with viewers where the audience interpret elements of the creation according to their own propensities.
Vineet Kacker’s creation is an interplay of clay depicted in a contemporary way. He uses multiple techniques such as wheel throwing, hand building, and plaster moulds to depict spirituality against contemporary practices.
The show is on till 1 December 2024.
Text by Shalini Passi
Image Courtesy: Nature Morte, The Guild, Exhibit 320, Blueprint 12, Studio Art, Latitude 28, Chemould Prescott Road
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