The Forces of Imagination exhibition brings sculpture to life, showcasing raw creativity and powerful expression, says SAKSHI PRIYA
In the quiet embrace of form and texture, where shadows dance and light whispers secrets, sculpture breathes life into the inanimate. It is here, at The Forces of Imagination exhibition, that art transforms the ordinary, turning stone, steel, and wood into storytellers of human emotion and boundless creativity.
At the India Habitat Centre, this extraordinary showcase, organised by Chawla Art Gallery in collaboration with the Delhi Art Society and Calcutta Sculptors, brought together over 100 works by 14 visionary artists. Curated by the renowned art critic Nanak Ganguly, the exhibition celebrated sculpture as a medium of transformation, where tradition meets innovation and imagination takes shape.
Walking into the gallery, one is struck by the diverse language of materials - bronze, marble, stainless steel, aluminum and wood, all narrating tales of emotion and thought. The pieces demanded engagement, inviting viewers to move around them, discover their angles, and feel the weight of their stories.
Vibhor Sogani’s stainless steel sculptures stood out with their shimmering, fluid forms. As the light reflected off their surfaces, they seemed to shift and evolve, embodying the dynamism of contemporary art. In contrast, Neeraj Gupta’s marble works carried a timeless gravitas, their intricate carvings and layered narratives paying homage to tradition while remaining deeply relevant to modern sensibilities.
The exhibition’s impeccable curation ensured each sculpture found its own voice while contributing to a larger conversation. The interplay of light and shadow revealed details that made the pieces feel almost alive, turning the gallery into a dialogue between material and imagination.
This event was also a celebration of diverse artistry. Established masters like Tapas Sarkar and Ratan Krishna Saha shared space with emerging talents from the Calcutta Sculptors collective, creating a rich styles and perspectives. This blending of generations and techniques highlighted sculpture’s evolution while honouring its enduring legacy.
The presence of Padma Bhushan Shri Ram V. Sutar, the iconic sculptor behind the Statue of Unity, added gravitas to the event. His monumental influence on Indian art echoed throughout the exhibition, where each piece reflected his belief in the transformative power of sculpture to connect with the public.
The Forces of Imagination reminded us that sculpture is not just about shaping materials but about shaping perspectives. It showcased the medium’s ability to evoke emotion, inspire wonder, and provoke thought. From the meticulous details of marble to the futuristic gleam of stainless steel, every work was a remarkable reflection of the limitless potential of human creativity. In this confluence of artistic mastery and innovation, the exhibition reaffirmed that sculpture is a language of its own, one that speaks to the soul, captivates the eye and leaves an indelible impression on the mind.
The exhibition’s impeccable curation ensured each sculpture found its own voice while contributing to a larger conversation. The interplay of light and shadow revealed details that made the pieces feel almost alive, turning the gallery into a dialogue between material and imagination.
Harmony
In the harmony of bronze and wood, the sculptor finds balance, blending strength with warmth to tell a timeless story
Enduring Connection
The sculpture of a boy and girl under an umbrella evokes a world of care and togetherness Through the artist’s hands, this everyday moment becomes an eternal celebration of unity.