At India Habitat Centre, Delhi, The Forces of Imagination brings sculpture to life, blending emotion, creativity and innovation, says SAKSHI PRIYA

Sculpture is a unique form of art that speaks to us not just through its visual appeal but also through its form, texture, and the materials used. At The Forces of Imagination, a groundbreaking sculpture exhibition at the India Habitat Centre, this powerful medium was brought to life in all its glory. The event, curated by the renowned art critic Nanak Ganguly and organised by Chawla Art Gallery in collaboration with the Delhi Art Society and Calcutta Sculptors, featured over 100 sculptures from 14 talented artists, each pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Upon entering the gallery, the diversity of the works was immediately apparent. There was a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. The sculptures, created from materials such as bronze, marble, stainless steel, aluminum and wood, each told its own story. Whether they were smooth, polished surfaces or raw, textured designs, every piece invited a deeper engagement, requiring the viewer to physically move around and truly immerse themselves in the art.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was Vibhor Sogani’s stainless steel sculptures. These works, with their sleek and shiny surfaces, caught the light in a way that made them appear to change shape depending on the viewer’s perspective. They felt alive and fluid, showcasing the artist’s ability to push the limits of sculpture into a modern, dynamic realm. In contrast, Neeraj Gupta’s marble sculptures had a classic feel, with intricate details and deep narratives embedded in the stone. His works spoke of tradition while being distinctly contemporary, highlighting how timeless materials can still feel relevant in today’s art world.

The exhibition successfully created a space for both established sculptors and emerging talents. It was a platform where seasoned masters such as Tapas Sarkar and Ratan Krishna Saha, alongside fresh voices from the Calcutta Sculptors collective, could showcase their work. The diversity in styles and techniques was fascinating, each piece added a new layer to the conversation, whether through form, medium, or theme. This blending of generations and styles made for an incredibly engaging experience.

The curation of the exhibition was impeccable, with each sculpture given ample space to stand on its own while also contributing to the overall dialogue of the show. The lighting in the gallery was carefully considered, casting shadows and highlighting the unique textures of each piece. As you moved through the space, you could feel the transformation of the material from something inert to something that seemed to have its own presence.

The presence of Padma Bhushan Shri Ram V. Sutar, a master sculptor known for creating the Statue of Unity, added an extra layer of significance to the event. His contributions to Indian art are monumental, and his influence was felt in the exhibition.

The Forces of Imagination celebrated the tactile power of sculpture and the endless possibilities it offers. It is a rare opportunity to see such a diverse range of work in one place, where artists from across the country come together to show how they shape the world through their imagination. From the detailed marble works to the futuristic stainless steel creations, the exhibition captured the essence of what sculpture can be: a living, breathing conversation between artist and viewer.

Photos: Pankaj Kumar