Journalism of Courage
The world of Indian modern art has lost a pioneering figure with the passing of Himmat Shah, a sculptor and painter known for his profound artistic vision. His journey, from an experimental artist to a celebrated sculptor, left an indelible mark on contemporary Indian art. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
Photographed here at his final exhibition at New Delhi's Bikaner House in 2024, as he turned 92, Shah was an integral part of Group 1890, a collective of modern Indian artists advocating for a new artistic language. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
Born in Lothal, Gujarat, in 1933, the artist was deeply influenced by his surroundings and early exposure to artistic traditions. After rebelling against conventional education, he pursued art at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, under the mentorship of N.S. Bendre and K.G. Subramanyan. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
His artistic trajectory later took him to Paris, where he studied etching at Atelier 17, further refining his skills in printmaking and sculpture. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
While he initially trained in painting, Shah's passion led him to focus on terracotta and bronze sculptures, creating pieces with raw, primal energy. His signature works—distorted human heads and figures—reflect a deep engagement with form and texture. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
Shah’s works have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as Lalit Kala Akademi, Sakshi Gallery, and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
His major retrospective, Hammer on the Square (2016), showcased his lifelong artistic journey. He received numerous accolades, including the Lalit Kala National Award (1959) and Kalidasa Samman (2003). (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
Beyond sculptures, Himmat Shah documented his artistic explorations through drawings, prints, and writings. While he did not author many books, his works have been extensively covered in publications on Indian modern art. His sketches and mixed-media works are held in significant collections, reflecting his ability to blend tradition with modernity. (Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
His sculpted heads may remain faceless, but his impact on Indian art has a lasting identity.(Express archive photo by Abhinav Saha)
