I Sculpt Exhibition at India International Centre: A Stunning Celebration of Contemporary Sculpture

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

The I Sculpt exhibition at Gandhi Plaza, India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, is a visual treat for art lovers. Spread across the sprawling outdoor plaza, the life-size sculptures and installations create an immersive artistic experience. Strategically placed at vantage points, each artwork commands attention while blending beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Despite their diverse styles and themes, the sculptures complement one another so seamlessly that removing even a single piece would leave the display incomplete. The natural setting enhances the experience further. Full-grown kadamb and raktchandan trees form a striking backdrop, while neatly arranged shrubs and bushes frame the sculptures, creating a harmonious dialogue between art and nature.

Curated Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition

The exhibition features a compelling mix of contemporary sculptures and large-scale installations. It is curated by renowned art curator Uma Nair and presented by Neeraj Gupta of Delhi.

Among the standout works displayed at the exhibition are:

• Divine Love by Neeraj Gupta

• Mask Seller and Error 404 by Arun Pandit

• Krishna with Flute by Sanjay Bhattacharyya

• Buddhist Pillar by Vineet Kacker

• Innocence 3 by Tapas Biswas

• Shesh Nag by Mukesh Sharma

• Praise the Lord by Atul Sinha

• Radha Krishna – Shunya by Simran Lamba

• An Inconvenient Truth by Madhab Das

• Spiral of a Metaphoric Spider by Puneet Kaushik

Each sculpture brings a unique artistic perspective while collectively celebrating the richness of contemporary Indian sculpture.

Shesh Nag: Art Created from Waste Materials

One of the most striking works at the exhibition is Shesh Nag by Mukesh Sharma. Positioned prominently at the beginning of the display, the sculpture immediately draws attention—not only for its scale but also for the materials used in its creation.

The artwork is crafted largely from recycled waste materials. The head is constructed from discarded computer keyboard keys and other electronic components such as cables and RAM modules, while the body is made from styrofoam packaging material.

Interestingly, from a distance the sculpture appears to be made from sleek metallic pipes. Only on closer inspection does the viewer discover its ingenious use of recycled elements, highlighting the artist’s creative approach to sustainability in art.

Sculptures that Tell Powerful Stories

Another remarkable work is Divine Love by Neeraj Gupta, which captures the warmth and intimacy of human relationships. The sculpture features intricately choreographed figures of men and women, reflecting tenderness and emotional connection.

In contrast, An Inconvenient Truth by Madhab Das delivers a powerful environmental message. The sculpture depicts a deer with iron rods, bricks and metal pieces embedded in its belly—symbolising how human expansion and greed are destroying natural habitats and threatening wildlife.

Iconic Representations and Symbolism

Towering over the plaza is the 12-foot bronze sculpture of Krishna with Flute by Sanjay Bhattacharyya, one of the most majestic pieces in the exhibition. The tall and stately artwork occupies a central position, symbolising divine grace and musical harmony.

Equally thought-provoking is Mask Seller by Arun Pandit, which reflects the many faces of human identity and the complex layers of social existence.

Another evocative piece is Innocence 3 by Tapas Biswas, which portrays the face of a young girl emerging from an intricate web of metal leaves and twigs. The sculpture beautifully blends fragility and resilience, creating a deeply moving visual experience.

A Must-Visit Art Exhibition in Delhi

The I Sculpt exhibition at India International Centre runs until December 21 and offers a rare opportunity to experience contemporary sculpture in an open-air setting.

For art enthusiasts and culture lovers in Delhi, the exhibition provides a fascinating encounter with innovative materials, powerful themes and masterful craftsmanship.

Set against the tranquil greenery of Gandhi Plaza at IIC, the sculptures transform the space into a living gallery where art, nature and imagination meet.