Her statement is simple. Art must be part of the sustainable process. Creativity lies in striking the right balance between Nature’s cyclic originality and the artist’s imagination, shares sculptor K.R. Nariman.
Her current showing “Interconnect” is a solo bronze sculpture exhibit at the Hutheesing Visual Art Center. On from March 10 to March 16, the gallery is open to public from 12 pm to 8 pm. The title does leave viewers with a thought. Are we helping or hindering the critical interconnected ecological problems thrust on planet Earth. “Climate change, species loss, diminution of the Earth’s natural riches on land and sea, and how all this affects humans and animals,” Nariman elaborates.
Her strength lies in getting wrought with the forces of Nature to interpret her artistic vision. As she shares: “The wellbeing of human society is inextricably connected to how we behave with other life on this planet. If polar ice melts and the seas rise, it is coastal residents who will be forced to migrate. As crops stop growing in heating climes, it is farmers who suffer. As forests and biodiversity decrease, so much that is precious to us – food, clean water, clean air – all are adversely affected. Increasing awareness about these matters is a crucial factor in bringing about change in the way people think and behave. It is the first step towards any meaningful transformation and the main reason I make these artworks.” Her passion and professional career are aligned with this precise creed.
Nariman holds a formal Master’s degree in Fine Arts degree from the University of the Arts, London. Having worked under renowned Indian sculptor S. Radhakrishnan at his workshop in Chhatarpur, Delhi, she attributes a great deal of her stylistic finesse to the training.
The artist’s profound ecological concerns and her understanding of the interdependence of all life—whether it be human, animal, or plant—have led to the development of this exhibition. The artworks include some multimedia studies and range in size from tiny sculptures to substantial installations.
When asked to explain her preference for the medium, she says: “I found myself drawn towards bronze as a sculptural medium. It melts at 1000˚C and looks like molten lava. Eventually, it is pliable and can be hardened into any shape. The possibilities of bronze are endless.”
Of remarkable presence in the display, is the sculpture with too many horses. “Overcrowding is a major issue and of ecological concern. We do very little for either the horses in the stable or for Earth burdened with weight,” she points out the symbolism.
All materials used are either recycled or environment-friendly. The primary material is recycled bronze. “Additionally, from the paper used for initial sketches to the metal, clay, plaster, wax and objects used in installations, everything is either being reused or recycled. At every stage of my creative process, I strive to work with sustainable practices,” she adds.
Among the her many notable awards and recognitions figure the 2019 “Special Award” for sculpture from the Delhi Minorities Commission, and nomination for Clifford Chance Sculpture Award, London in 2019. She has also been short listed for the “The John Ruskin Prize: Agent of Change.”
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