Renowned contemporary artist Raj Shahani, celebrated for his exquisite sculptures and installations inspired by the rich tapestry of Indian art and culture, is set to unveil his magnum opus at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Bikaner House, New Delhi on October 29, 2023.
Raj Shahani’s “Apsara Constellation” – A Glimpse into Divine Beauty
The exhibition, aptly titled “Colour, Stone, Chintz, Grain, and Statue,” promises to be a visual feast, showcasing a circular constellation of 27 stunning sculptures. Raj has skillfully crafted these masterpieces using a mesmerizing array of materials including bronze, marble, granite, stoneware, glass, terracotta, ceramic, iron, and paper. Each sculpture embodies the ethereal grace of an Apsara, celestial beings from Indian mythology. Together, they not only pay homage to Indian heritage but also reflect Raj’s own journey as an artist, performer, and an introspective individual.
From Childhood Imagination to Artistic Reality
Raj Shahani’s artistic voyage commenced during his childhood when he sought refuge in the realms of his vivid imagination. There, he gave birth to alter egos and fantastical universes. His fascination with Apsaras, celestial nymphs, was ignited in his youth as he encountered their enchanting depictions in popular culture and the ancient temples and sculptures of India. As he matured, Raj began to see these divine beings as symbols of his own spirit. In response, he embarked on a creative journey, sculpting Apsaras that embodied both their beauty and fragility.
A Journey of Identity, Transformation, and Restoration
In this new exhibition, Raj Shahani delves deeper into the themes of identity, transformation, and restoration. With a diverse palette of materials and an array of techniques, he breathes life into his Apsaras, each one unique and deeply expressive. Some of these sculptures are hewn from solid pieces of stone, while others emerge from a mosaic of fragments. Vibrantly colored creations coexist with sculptures in their raw, unaltered state.
A Thought-Provoking Message
Through his remarkable creations, Raj challenges us to contemplate the construction and performance of our own identities. He reminds us, through the inherent beauty of his sculptures, that even the most shattered aspects of our lives can be mended and transformed into something extraordinary.
Intrigued and captivated, art enthusiasts and seekers of profound meaning alike eagerly await the opening of Raj Shahani’s exhibition at CCA in New Delhi. This extraordinary display promises to be a tribute to the eternal allure of Indian art and a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of Raj Shahani’s Apsara sculptures at the Centre for Contemporary Art in New Delhi from October 29, 2023. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and philosophy of his work.
