Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated TAKSHANAM, a major exhibition featuring over 250 sculptures by 150 participating artists representing diverse generations, artistic backgrounds and approaches to sculptural expression, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi. Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, was also present on the occasion. Conceived as a shared platform for artistic encounter and exchange, the exhibition explores the continuities, transitions and new possibilities shaping the evolving landscape of Indian sculpture.

Shri 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.”

Shri 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.”

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.

Inspired by the Sanskrit root takṣ (तक्ष्), meaning to carve, shape and fashion, TAKSHANAM reflects on sculpture as an evolving process shaped by the interplay of thought, experience, material and form. Bringing together works by artists across generations and artistic practices, the exhibition highlights the dynamic relationship between India’s rich sculptural heritage and contemporary innovation.

The exhibition features two distinct sections. The first, Eminent Artists, showcases works by experienced and veteran artists whose practices have contributed to the development of Indian sculpture. The second, Open Call Artists, presents works by approximately 80–90 artists selected by a jury following an open call. The exhibition also includes artworks from NGMA’s collection, creating opportunities for dialogue between established practitioners and artists exploring new creative possibilities.

A significant highlight of TAKSHANAM is the first-time initiative to offer artworks for sale at NGMA. The initiative aims to create opportunities for artists to reach collectors and art enthusiasts while encouraging wider engagement with sculptural art. By facilitating greater visibility and potential avenues of financial support, NGMA seeks to contribute to the sustainability of artistic practice, particularly in a medium that often involves substantial material costs, specialised skills and long production timelines.

Through TAKSHANAM, NGMA seeks to celebrate the depth of India’s sculptural heritage while recognising the contribution of contemporary practitioners to its continuing evolution. By bringing together veteran artists, jury-selected participants and works from its collection, the exhibition creates a space for artistic exchange, public engagement and greater appreciation of sculpture as an important medium of cultural expression.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 15 November 2026 at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Jaipur House, India Gate, New Delhi.

About the National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is a premier institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion and appreciation of modern and contemporary Indian art. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives and public engagement programmes, NGMA works to foster a deeper understanding of India’s artistic heritage and its evolving creative expressions.

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M Annadurai

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