Sculpting Success

It is a very satisfying feeling to see a block of wood,or a piece of metal take shape into a beautiful three dimensional figure just as one would have imagined while he or she set out to create the piece...

Artiste P K Nandkumar feels that the Indian art scenario is on the cusp of a renaissance

It is a very satisfying feeling to see a block of wood,or a piece of metal take shape into a beautiful three dimensional figure just as one would have imagined while he or she set out to create the piece, says sculptor P K Nandkumar,who has been creating these three dimensional pieces of art for the last 20 years. Nandkumar who will be exhibiting his works from today at the India Art Gallery feels that the world of fine arts like painting and sculpture help escape from the mundane realities of life,that tend to bog down people into a repetitive cycle. I believe in anything that is unconventional. In fact that is the one thing that keeps motivating me to go on creating works of art, he says.

Aptly titled Never Enough the exhibition will feature 10 sculptures,five paintings and five drawings at the venue. Speaking more about his multifaceted art outlook,Nandkumar says,I originally began studying painting but barely a month later I realised my true calling was in sculpture. Somehow the fascination for three-dimensional objects was much more than two-dimensional ones. However I do paint and draw as a method of relaxing which helps me get my ideas on paper much more clearly.

Nandkumar who is currently teaching at the Mahindra World College will be holding a solo exhibition in the city after almost ten years. Even though now based in the city,he feels that solo exhibitions require a lot of meticulous planning and execution to ensure their success. Before this he has also exhibited in Delhi,Mumbai and Norway. For me exhibiting my art is a method of showcasing to the people the ability to create something beautiful from something so simple. That is a reason as to why I use other materials like wood,rope,cloth to create my art pieces, he says.

The exhibition,which will open to the people today,will feature sculptures that are almost eight years old and have never been showcased before. Speaking about the divide regarding the appreciation of art by the general public Nandkumar feels that it is not just the fault of the general populace. He adds,Most sculptures dont allow people to touch their exhibits. While I do understand their skepticism regarding the same,at the exhibition today,people will actually be able to touch some of the sculptures. Id rather have people touch them out of amazement so that the human touch to the exhibition remains intact.

As far as looking at art as a profession is concerned,he feels that the Indian art scenario is changing on a positive note so more and more students are coming forward to exhibit and sell their art. The good thing is that this artistic renaissance of sorts will help people break all conventional barriers and accept this as a very satisfying and well paying profession, he says.

(Nandkumar will be displaying his works at the India Art Gallery from today till Feb 26 from morning 10 till evening 8.)

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