Exhibition commemorates the life and works of unsung sculptor Bal Krishan Guru

An exhibition, titled 'Shapes of Memories', is celebrating the life and works of modern artist and sculpting legend Late Bal Krishan Guru. It is currently on a public showcase at Bikaner House, New Delhi. It is curated by Georgina Maddox and was inaugurated on March 18 by His Excellency Dr Roger Gopaul, The High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; A Loving Embrace (PR Handout)

According to the official press release, the show promises to be a journey through the stunning sculptures of Bal Krishan Guru and attempts to throw light on the mediums, styles and themes taken on by Guru, a sculptor who was an unsung hero of his time; Celebrating Life (PR Handout)

It has been organised by his wife Pushpa Guru and is a posthumous attempt to reclaim some of the memories and bring exposure to his work; Echoes of the Fields (PR Handout)

Originally named Bal Krishan, the artist began to be referred to as a 'Guru' of his craft of casting bronze sculptures in the foundry. So, he adopted the name as part of his identity; Infinite Steps (PR Handout)

Over the course of his life and career in art, Guru received national scholarships as well as recognitions such as the National Award- Lalit Kala Akademi (1963), and the President of India Award (1964). His works can be found in collections in India and abroad; Melodic Romance (PR Handout)

"A trip to his studio in Central Delhi reveals a vast collection of work that started with large naturalistic sculptures to highly stylized forms that were moving towards a more abstract, linear expression. His son Pankaj Guru is also an artist and he trained under his father, and at the Delhi College of Art," Maddox, the show's curator, was quoted as saying in the press release; Rhythm of Togetherness (PR Handout)

His works reflect the concerns and preoccupations of the times. Guru learned and then moved beyond the realist style that was being taught at the British-led art schools in the early 20th century; Sacred Connections (PR Handout)

The exhibition will bring forth 40 such sculptures and 14 murals; The Joyful Ride (PR Handout)

The materials used in sculptures are bronze, brass utensils, fibreglass and stainless steel; The Light Within (PR Handout)

Pushpa Guru recalled that since her husband Bal Krishan Guru was a migrant from Lahore, and settled in India post-partition, hence beginning his journey almost from scratch; Womb (PR Handout)