Lucknow: A powerful group exhibition titled ‘Shilp Srishti’ opened at the Kala Srot Art Gallery on Sunday, featuring evocative sculptures by five young artists working in mediums like terracotta, sandstone, marble, and iron. The exhibition, curated by renowned sculptor and Dean of Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University, P. Rajeevanand, showcases 20 sculptures created by post-graduate students of the university’s Department of Visual Arts. The exhibition was inaugurated by veteran artist Jaikrishna Agrawal.
Each sculpture in the exhibition reflects a unique artistic vision and emotional depth. Artist Shraddha Tiwari used terracotta to create a piece portraying a woman’s face adorned with flowers, symbolizing beauty and femininity. “As people drift away from nature and adopt materialistic lifestyles, their essence weakens. My work reminds us that returning to nature helps us find positivity, mental peace, and self-realization,” she said.
Sushil Yadav, another contributor, also worked in terracotta to depict the complexities of human emotions through the metaphor of tangled roots. His sculpture explores how unseen roots within us—our fears, dreams, and unresolved emotions—shape our identity while entangling us in silent struggles.
Akash Kumar Rana presented a striking stone sculpture titled ‘Pillar of Pain’. It symbolizes human resilience, hidden pain, and the inner consciousness that forms the spine of our convictions. “To stand for what’s right, one must have a spine—both literally and metaphorically. I sculpt spines as metaphors for strength and truth,” he explained. His abstract style captures emotion through structure, curvature, and lines.
Artist Shamsher bridges the past and present with his artworks. He uses stone to evoke memories of his native place where traditional stone architecture still thrives, and iron to represent urban modernity and progress. “For me, these materials are not just physical—they represent two distinct eras: one rooted in heritage and the other looking toward the future,” he said.
The fifth artist, Tej Pratap, primarily works in stone, translating his perception of nature into abstract forms. “I don’t replicate nature as it appears. I carve emotions, the rhythm of rivers, the spread of trees, and the strength of rocks into stone. It’s not about copying reality but about evoking thought and reflection,” he shared. His work encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and interpret meaning, emphasizing slowness and introspection in an increasingly fast-paced world.
The sculptures at ‘Shilp Srishti’ are deeply expressive, enabling art lovers and viewers to easily grasp the themes and sentiments the young artists intend to convey. The exhibition will remain open to the public until May 31, 2025.
