Art Diary: Chennai-based artist moulds the marble with flair, for a showcase in Delhi
Chennai-based artist, Narayan Lakshman is exhibiting his first-ever sculpture at a group exhibition in Delhi's India Habitat Centre. Read on to know more
Smooth curves in pink intertwine the three figures so seamlessly that the marble they are made out of, emotes a unified soul. “This sculpture titled Protected represents the deep bond between humans, which comes out of my sense of oneness of the universe,” says Narayan Lakshman, the artist who has crafted this work. It’s currently displayed in Delhi at the ongoing exhibition, The Forces of Imagination.

“This is my first sculpture,” informs the Chennai-based artist, who is exhibiting his debute work alongside some of the aces in the realm of modern sculptural art form, such as Vibhor Sogani and Neeraj Gupta. “I, infact, worked closely with Gupta, to create this work,” shares Lakshman. But, he didn’t let his thoughts get coloured by his guide's palette, as can be seen in the former's treatment of the material — the pink makrana marble that's sourced from Rajasthan — which stands out even at such a nascent stage of Lakshman's experimentation with sculpture.

It’s interesting to note how this artist blends the philosophy behind his paintings to suit a 3D medium. Pointing to the two canvases, which are also part of this show, Lakshman explains, “My paintings are inspired by Zen Buddhism... I started painting during the Covid lockdown, and now I take about 45 minutes to 10 days to complete a canvas. But, sculpture is a relatively new and challenging medium. It took me four months to complete my first work in this medium, including its conceptualisation and design. Now, I intend to pursue this medium relentlessly and obsessively.”
Catch It Live
What: The Forces of Imagination
Where: Visual Arts Gallery and Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
On till: December 31
Timing: 11am to 7pm
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line)
For more, follow @htcity.delhijunction
