Not Playing to the Gallery

But the trials and tribulations of taking his art “out there” have struck him only now. Till date,he has been able to manage only one independent exhibition — the one at Talkatora Stadium in 2011,where he exhibited sculptures and paintings based on the theme of corruption. “That is why,” he says with a resigned shrug,“I want to apply for an MA in Sculpture so that I have time to think over building my own studio and getting my artwork into the public domain.”

Not that it has all been a downward spiral. Three of his works made during graduation fetched him more than Rs 50,000; he was invited to create a sculpture of the late chief minister of Delhi,Sahib Singh Verma,at his residence two years ago; and he has gained some appreciation in the art mart as well.

At the institute,Rawal refused to opt for popular courses such as painting and chose sculpting instead,“which needs more patience,time and money”. He has made more than 500 sculptures till now and this has also directed him towards making artificial limbs. “Initially,sculpting was just a passion. Then questions like ‘what can it be used for?’ cropped up . My interest in prosthetic limbs wasn’t random. I saw the possibility of art being used for humanitarian causes,” he explains.

Although he is inspired by MF Husain and Ramkinkar Baij,his urge to create “utility art” took seed when he saw silicon works by Australian artist Sam Jinks at the India Art Fair in Delhi earlier this year. But he rues that artwork is only seen as product in the Indian art mart. “Art in India needs to be worth more than just its aesthetic and commercial value. For many here,it ultimately comes down to roti,kapda and makaan. Art comes much later,” says Rawal,sagely.

With no studio “to establish his identity” and a lack of financial support to “get space in galleries”,Rawal often feels that “the refusal to self-promote” might make it difficult for people to get to know him. “It’s become important to promote oneself. Although people see and love my works,I am still waiting for galleries to give me space. I don’t really know how to go about it,” he says.