New Delhi, Mar 31: Chawla Art Gallery announces the release of Once Upon a Sculptor, a significant publication marking the 70th birthday of acclaimed sculptor KS Radhakrishnan. Published by Chawla Art Gallery, the book offers an intimate and scholarly reflection on the artist’s personal and creative journey, situating his practice within the larger narrative of modern Indian sculpture.
The volume traces Radhakrishnan’s evolution from his formative years as a young aspirant, when the contours of his artistic vision were still emerging, to his formal training at Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, and his eventual establishment as a professional sculptor under the mentorship of distinguished practitioners. It examines the development of his foundational skills in drawing, his engagement with form and material, and the conceptual rigor that has defined his work over decades.
Widely regarded as one of the most significant contemporary sculptors of his time, Radhakrishnan is known for his long engagement with bronze and for works that combine emotional depth with technical precision. The book presents a critical overview of his diverse bodies of work, including the seminal Maiya and Musui series, along with recurring motifs such as diminutive figures emerging from boats and boxes. These works are placed within broader artistic, cultural, and institutional contexts, while also documenting his interactions with collectors, galleries, and institutions that have played a defining role in shaping his career.
Alongside scholarly commentary, the publication features carefully curated imagery, offering readers both visual and intellectual insight into the sculptor’s oeuvre. The book also discusses the foundation supported by the artist and outlines its guiding vision and cultural objectives.
“I myself had come from Kerala to Santiniketan and then to Delhi looking for my own space in the world. I saw the land around my studio filling up with houses of migrants and weaker sections of society. Houses came up like little boxes, which was all they could afford. Slowly, these human boxes were filled by the grand sufferings and celebrations of people trying to build an identity and a life of their own,” said KS Radhakrishnan.
“This book holds special significance for us at Chawla Art Gallery. Our long association with KS Radhakrishnan includes presenting his works across several group exhibitions, showcasing his solo presentation at the India Art Fair in 2015, and housing key sculptures within the family’s private collection,” said Shibani Chawla, Director, Chawla Art Gallery
