The 4th edition of The ‘Sculpture Park’ inside Nahargarh Fort’s Madhavendra Palace welcomes a motley crew of artists
Hosted by the Saat Saath Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, The Sculpture Park within the lofty four walls of Nahargarh Fort serves as the foreground to exhibit (on till December 1) the captivating installation by renowned artists and architects.
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 Tiger Fort.
There is a long list of artists which include Avantika Bawa from USA/India, Sudipta Das, Nandan Ghiya, Bhuvanesh Gowda, Megha Joshi, Vineet Kacker, Suhasini Kejriwal, Murarij Jha and Riyas Komu from India, along with Alicja Kwade from Germany, and French artist Martha-Marie LeBar whose works have been put to public admiration.
Materials deployed in these creations are mostly sourced by local areas and are a perfect reflection of our rich cultural heritage.
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 thoroughly stunned
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.
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 plants, 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 figurative sculptures explore the infinite and the unknown amidst this material and tangible world, and his creation brings elements from ancient scriptures, living cultures and quantum physics.
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 in contrast to contemporary artwork.
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