Echoing Michelangelo’s famed assertion that “every block of stone has a statue inside it,” the recent National Sculpture Camp-24 at Kalagram, Chandigarh, brought this philosophy to vibrant life. Over a bustling 20-day period, thirteen talented sculptors from across India delved into the celestial realm of zodiacs, unearthing intricate forms from massive blocks of black marble.
Hosted by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the camp attracted artists from diverse regions including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Ladakh, Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The intensive workshop concluded on November 23, leaving behind a trail of dust and stunning sculptures that began to emerge from their marble confines.
Each sculptor was assigned a sizable black marble block measuring six by six by two feet, setting the stage for a rigorous creative process. The camp’s atmosphere was electric, with the constant hum of cutting tools and the rhythmic clatter of chisels filling the air. Amidst the haze of stone dust, the artists worked in unison, their faces masked against the gritty environment. Small maquettes stood quietly amidst the chaos, juxtaposing the raw energy of the sculpting process with delicate preliminary designs.
The theme of zodiacs provided a unifying narrative for the diverse array of artworks. Narinder J S Maloya, a postgraduate from Government College of Art (GCA)-10, focused on Cancer, meticulously crafting a giant crab. “This black marble looks grey while being carved, but once polished, it will gleam jet black,” Maloya explained. His dedication to proportion and accessibility in art underscores his belief that creativity should resonate with everyone, regardless of age or background.
Simarjeet Sekha, assigned Leo, breathed life into a majestic lion, his favorite subject being animal forms. His impressive creation roared with vitality, a testament to his award-winning prowess in sculpting dogs. Meanwhile, Ajesh Kumar Kandalloor from Kerala, teaching at the Stone Artisan Park Training Institute in Gujarat, shaped Aries, highlighting the robust horns of the ram with precision.
Sanul Kuttan’s Gemini sculpture featured two human figures, drawing from his previous experience at another workshop where he captured the essence of farmers amidst protests. Mohammad Iqbal from Anantnag focused on Libra, carving a traditional weighing scale, while Devi Das Khattri from Lalit Kala Akademi in Delhi sculpted a goat for Capricorn.
From Andhra Pradesh, Surakala Appalaraju dedicated himself to Tauras, ensuring every detail of the bull was meticulously rendered to avoid wastage of stone. Abhishek Singh, a freelance artist from Garhi and GCA-10 alumnus, sculpted Sagittarius, blending human and equine forms seamlessly. Alay Mistry of Ahmedabad tackled Pisces, carving a sleek fish, while Rajender Kumar depicted Virgo with a graceful female figure, reflecting on his enriching experience working with under-trials at Burail Jail.
Tsering Gurmet from Ladakh chiseled Scorpio, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic horse, highlighting the burgeoning art scene in his region. Shubham Santosh Salve from Maharashtra embraced Aquarius, crafting a water bearer that symbolized the flowing knowledge characteristic of Aquarians.
Amidst the fervent activity, Jagdeep Jolly from the Delhi College of Art took a different approach, arranging the zodiac symbols in a harmonious circle using fiberglass, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit.
The National Sculpture Camp-24 not only highlighted the individual talents of these sculptors but also celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of India. As the dust settled, the emerging sculptures stood as a testament to the artists’ dedication and the enduring allure of transforming raw stone into timeless art.
