Sculpture is a process of thought, material, and form, and Delhi’s National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is putting that process on full display. TAKSHANAM, inaugurated on 16 October, brings together more than 250 sculptures by 150 artists across generations and practices. Its name comes from the Sanskrit root takṣ, meaning to carve, shape, and fashion, and the exhibition treats sculpture as an evolving art.The show has two sections. Eminent Artists features veteran practitioners whose work has shaped Indian sculpture. Open Call Artists presents works by roughly 80 to 90 artists chosen by a jury from an open call. Works from NGMA’s own collection sit alongside both, creating a dialogue between established and emerging voices.A First for NGMAFor the first time, artworks can be bought at the gallery. Director General Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam said sculpture demands considerable time, material, and money, and that artists need meaningful support to sustain their practice. The sales initiative, he added, is meant to help artists reach collectors and enthusiasts while keeping sculpture visible to the public. Speaking about the exhibition, Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art, highlighted India’s longstanding sculptural tradition and the need to recognise and support contemporary practitioners. He said, “India has an extraordinary sculptural heritage that reflects its history, cultural achievements and artistic vision. From the Harappan and Mohenjo-daro civilisations, with their terracotta and metal objects and iconic works such as the Dancing Girl and the Priest-King sculpture, to the magnificent sculptural traditions associated with temple architecture and sites such as Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho, sculpture has played a significant role in expressing India’s cultural identity. This legacy continues in contemporary practice, with Indian artists such as Anish Kapoor and Subodh Gupta achieving international recognition for their work.Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, said, “Art is an important expression of India’s cultural identity and creative spirit. Initiatives such as TAKSHANAM bring artists and audiences closer while encouraging greater appreciation of our artistic traditions and contemporary expressions. By creating space for both established and emerging talent, the exhibition reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity and expanding public engagement with art.”Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, said, “The Ministry of Culture remains committed to encouraging artistic excellence and creating meaningful opportunities for artists across the country. TAKSHANAM brings together diverse artistic voices and provides a platform for their work to reach wider audiences. The initiative to offer artworks for sale is also a noteworthy step towards strengthening engagement between artists, collectors and art enthusiasts.”
