SCULPTURES OF MODERN TRENDS IN INDIAN

ART
TITLE -TRIUMPH OF LABOUR
SCULPTOR -DEVI PRASAD ROY CHOWDHURY
MEDIUM -Bronze and Cement
PERIOD -1953
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
This outstanding bronze sculpture of male figures will ever remain an unparalleled
example of sculpture. This monumental open air sculpture represents four men engaged in
the formidable task of moving a massive rock with the help of wooden logs.
The figures of laborers are macular and seem to be straining with all their might to
remove the heavy load. The laborers are scantly clad in lion cloth. Covering the head is the
only protection against the heat of strong summer sun. Theme is conveyed in powerful
manner. Two are bent forewords and Appling force with their hand, while the remaining two
are using the wooden staff to uproot the boulder from its base. With their action and
strained body muscles one can feel their strength and effort.
Each muscle of the body shines in sweat and physical exertion. This splendid sculpture
depicts an inspiring example of teamwork of laborers engrossed in a strenuous work. The
strong muscular bodies of men moving the boulder, their energetic posture make this an
extremely extremely expressive work.
SCULPTURE NO-2
TITLE -SANTHAL FAMILY
SCULPTOR -RAM KINKER VAIJ
MEDIUM - Cement and Concrete
PERIOD -1938
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
Santhal family , a complexed structure with two
figures, a child and a dog in concrete and
cement is a rough textured group, installed in
the Lawns of Shantiniketan. The young Santhal
family is moving towards the new destination as
it symbolizes labour migration.
This is a harsh real picture of a family forced to
leave their land by hunger.The young man
stretches his neck to ease out the pressure of
the load which he carries on his shoulder. The
slim and alert figure of his wife walking in steps
with him also carries some part of their
belongings on her head. Their dog with it’s
tongue hanging out adds life to the group.
Collection- Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Replica- National Gallery of Modern Art, New
Delhi
SCULPTURE NO-3
Title - CRIES UNHEARD
Artist - AMARNATH SEHGAL
Medium - Bronze
Period - Modern 1958
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
It is a symbolic creation of a family of
three figures with their gloomy faces are
standing with their arms stretched
upwards. The tall elongated figures of
man and woman and a child of the
poor society seem to be pleading for help
from the Almighty for being the victim of
political and social injustice through the
ages. The figures are simplified. The
primitive simplicity gives an element of
strength to this sculpture. This sculpture
has suggested the anguish cries of the
sufferings of human by making the figures
distorted to present the social evil.
SCULPTURE-4
Title - GANESHA - 1930
Artist - P.V. JANKI RAM
Medium -Wire and Tin and Oxidised copper
Period - Modern
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
He introduced a new technique of making sculptures
with metal sheets & Iron rods in India. The influence
of South Indian traditional work is clearly visible on
his sculptures. Ganesha in oxidized copper , preserved
in the N.G.M.A. is one of the best examples of this
technique. The six handed dancing figure of Ganesha
is shown standing on one foot and playing sitar. The
head of Ganesha is made of metal sheet and features
are engraved on it. Ganesha is shown using the lower
two hands to hold the sitar and playing it while four
others hold the traditional sankha, chakra, gada and
padama to bear the look of deity in carnation.
Frontality , smoothness of surface and ornamentation
are some of its unique features. There is the
movement in the dancing posture. Colour is shown
which gives it a religious touch.
Collection - National Gallery Of Modern Art, New
Delhi
SCULPTURE -5
Title - CHATURMUKHI
Artist - AEKKA YADA GIRI RAO
Medium - Stone
Period - Modern
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
Chaturmukhi is a famous sculpture depicting four different facets of woman’s life. It
is a huge four sided sculpture placed near the entrance of National Gallery of
Modern art, New Delhi. This sculpture depicts the complete circle of woman’s life.
The front face of the sculpture shows a woman’s face wearing of head gear chiseled
out in vertical and spherical lines. The other side depicts a maid whose hands are
folded in bud shape. The third side shows the woman in the company of a male
which perhaps represents her newly married life. The fourth side of the sculpture is
a representation of different feminine aspect of woman. The sculptor has tried to
show dynamism in stone. It is an abstract sculpture made in geometric form on
square platform.
It is a good representation of spiritual essence through title, symbol and form.
Collection: National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.