Art Scene India: Sculpture

Showing posts with label Sculpture. Show all posts

2 Jul 2018

Art in Decor: Art for Open Spaces

Art need not be limited to interiors of homes and can also be displayed in the garden or terrace

When we think of art for our homes, we tend to restrict ourselves to conventional art forms such as paintings for the interiors, and often neglect exterior walls, terraces and other open spaces. Canvas paintings may not be the best choice for areas that are exposed to weather conditions but there are several other options which can be explored for open spaces such as the terrace, garden and large balconies.

These areas are also used for socializing and interacting with guests, especially when the mercury rises and warmer temperatures make the outdoors more attractive and appropriate for entertaining. Instead of bare spaces devoid of art, artefacts or accessories a well decorated area makes it more intimate and pleasant.

Art in Decor: Art for Open Spaces, Art Scene India

From traditional folk and tribal art to contemporary sculptures and installations, there are multiple options which are suitable for open spaces. Over the years, art from recycled material has also grown in popularity as a display piece in the open air.

As these artworks will be exposed to different weather conditions and will have to withstand fluctuating temperatures and rain for a prolonged period, it is important to select them with care.

Sculpting Evolution by Kalyan S Rathore

Selection

When buying or commissioning artworks for open spaces one must consider the medium and the material which is used.
For instance, stone, fiberglass and metals which have been treated are more suitable for the outdoors.
Instead of buying multiple artworks, focus on one or two larger pieces that are likely to create a more striking impact.
It may also be a good idea to opt for customized art as an extension of the existing theme to create a cohesive effect.

Display

In open areas, art can be displayed on the wall, floor or ground and may also be suspended from a beam.
Murals can be painted directly on the walls or three dimensional artworks can be secured onto the wall.
Large sculptures are ideal for open areas and are extremely versatile when it comes to their display.
Installations, particularly multimedia and those involving light, water and sound can be especially stunning for large open spaces and form the perfect backdrop for a dramatic setting.

Open areas in homes are primarily informal spaces which may also be used for socializing and therefore it is essential to infuse a sense of fun and vibrancy through the choice of art. Vivid colours can make the place animated and cheerful. However, in rare instances when a formal décor theme is extended onto the open area, abstract and conceptual artworks are ideal for display.

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2 Mar 2016

Art in Interiors: Sculpture as a Décor Element

A sculpture is a beautiful way to alter the dynamics of the space and add an interesting facet to it. The aesthetics (form, material and the concept) of the artwork, interplay of light, its interaction with the surroundings contribute in transforming the space. Being three dimensional, large sized sculptures require more space when displayed in homes - either inside living areas or outside in the open. As opposed to a painting, which is displayed on a wall, a sculpture is placed on a pedestal or directly on the floor and therefore requires special considerations in terms of space and visual impact.

"Of Sounds and Silences" by Raviram Ramakrishnan, Image courtesy Galerie de' arts, Sculpture in decor

Sculpture by Raviraam Ramakrishnan

A large sculpture placed in any space will interact with it in multiple ways, also because of its extra dimension, which allows it to be viewed from all sides. It would be advisable to place the sculpture in an area which is clear and clutter free, has high visibility and is relatively traffic free. The style and the material are important in deciding where to display the sculpture.

In a garden or terrace, a sculpture can be integrated into the landscaping to create a cohesive and enhanced impact. The important thing to consider when displaying a sculpture in the open is to ensure that it is made of a material which is weather resistant. For instance, stone such as marble or granite, fiberglass, terracotta, and metals which have been specially treated are ideal for the outdoors. When displaying in the outdoors, a sculpture could complement the exteriors better if it is directly placed on a surface - ground, parapet, ledge, etc. Alternately, a pedestal which is made of natural material will enhance harmony between the sculpture and the setting.

Life size statues are hugely popular as outdoor sculptures. Traditional forms of sculpture are ideal for displaying in the garden; for instance human, animal and mythological figures. Themes which are based on outdoor subjects are suitable – these could be folk, rural or contemporary. A traditional sculpture can be a reminder of stone and rock art from ancient monuments and heritage buildings and help recreate a sense of historicity.

Conceptual pieces in stainless steel or multimedia sculptures are ideal for the terrace or the centre of the garden, and can form interesting anchor points for conversation during garden parties and other gatherings.

It is also essential to consider both natural lighting and spotlights when exhibiting these artworks in open spaces. All artificial lighting must be strategically placed to bring out the features of the sculpture, yet avoid creating a harsh or glaring effect. The illumination should be appropriate to bring out details of carvings, relief work, planes, shadows and textures.

The writer is an art consultant

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

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19 Jun 2013

Solo Exhibition of Sculptures by Reghu G

Bangalore based sculptor, Reghu's solo exhibition of sculptures is upcoming at Gallery Sumukha. Details are posted below.

You may also want to read 'Ceramic Art (Sculptures by Reghu)', which I wrote in 2008:

I first came across Reghu’s sculptures about four years ago. Tiny ceramic figures that were based on groupings of men, women and children in animated postures caught my eye. Simple, earthy and quite minimal...read more

14 Dec 2008

Carved in Stone

(Nalini S Malaviya)

A magnificent statue of Krishna catches the eye as one walks into the room to meet Sudarshan Sahoo, the sculptor from Orissa. Intricately carved in stone with extraordinary detailing and ornamentation, it is a beautiful work of art that reminds one of statues seen in temples in many parts of the country. In Bangalore to showcase his recent sculptures, Sudarshan Sahoo explains the finer nuances behind the art of stone carving.

The well known sculptor has created a ‘Shilpgram’ an arts and crafts village in Bhuvaneshwar that offers vocational training in sculpting to students and children.
The 1939 born sculptor has dedicated his entire life to revive and promote the traditional craft of carving statues from stone. Sahoo is a recipient of the National Award and the Padmashree amongst numerous other honours that he has received for his contribution to arts and crafts.

“Selection of stone such as sandstone, red or green stone, granite or sometimes wood is carefully done to suit the sculpture in mind. Every stone has a different characteristic, for instance, red stone lends beautifully to and reveals different tonalities at various depths and creates a beautiful effect”, explains Sahoo. A basic design is translated on the medium and the intricate detailing is mostly done ad hoc, as the work evolves.

Stone carving is a difficult craft that involves a lot of painstaking effort and happens to be extremely time consuming as well. “A small statue can take up to ten months with about 5 people working on it, whereas a larger work can take almost 2 to 4 years,” describes Sahoo. The ornamentation which appears as mere decorative detailing in the first instance, on a closer look reveals mythological tales and fables that have been engraved with utmost care. His statues of Buddha have travelled far and wide – many of them have been installed in Japan. “In Japan they love the serenity and unique features of Buddha that I am able to capture in my statues,” he elaborates with pride. His sculptures also stand out for their museum quality finish.

In the forthcoming exhibition there are Ganeshas, Buddha statues, Nandi and Apsaras or the dancing girls. It will also have a massive 9 feet tall and 12 feet long chariot that is truly a work of art. Figures of deities, geometrical and other traditional motifs are used extensively to decorate the sculptures. Sahoo and his entire family are now working on a mammoth 110 ton piece of granite to create a statue of Lord Parasnath which will stand at 32 feet height when complete.

The richness of our heritage is beautifully reflected in these statues. As Sahoo puts it, “people talk about the precision in Swiss watches, but look at our traditional crafts it is full of fine and precise work.” He goes on, “We want more people to come and see the kind of work that our artisans are capable of.” True, it is important to appreciate efforts that go towards conservation of our cultural traditions and to promote them in every way.

The exhibition will be held till Dec 19 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)