Sunday Special Sculpting: Carving Out Possibilities For Indian Youth To Adopt An Art Profession
If we have ever been asked, what is the most frequent image that comes in front of our eyes from social science books, the foremost answer would be the Sculptures, which have many forms and significance. Whether it was a dancing girl of Harappa or a Pieta created by Michelangelo. Every sculpture has its own depiction that has multifold meanings related to the history and socio-culture of a geographical area.
India which consists of the oldest civilisation has a great history of sculptures made through magical components had helped archaeologists to trace the historical line and became an important part of the present Indian democratic establishment.
A Young Sculptor Made Her Way Through
When sculptures are a prominent part of a whole religion, society and culture, it is visible that Sculpture making is not as prevalent as painting and any other handicraft in Indian markets. We have often heard the names of Michelangelo, Donatello and Auguste Rodin but barely of any Indian sculptor. Amidst India getting away with its rich cultural legacy of sculpture-making, at the age of 16 years, Niyamat Mehta embraced sculpting as her core hobby. Fortunately being in a school where sculpture art was taught as one of the subjects, Niyamat became consistent with her art.
She also mentioned that as there are not many sculpting schools in the world and at that age she needed a cut clean path in front of her, she was a little sceptical about pursuing sculpting as a profession. However, Niyamat shared about her school teacher who has been supporting her throughout her career and encouraged her to follow what she is good at.
According to this young sculptor, she learned human anatomy and history behind every historical sculpture in her apprenticeship which eventually made her realise, that ‘Sculpting is a real art’.
Can Sculpting Become An Alternative For Indian Youth To Follow?
As per the journey shared by Niyamat, she went to the Florence Academy of Art where she visited the historical museums and interacted with the stalwarts of the field in order to learn the nuances of sculpting.
But, do Indian education institutions give that level of exposure and prevalence to the students who want to follow sculpting as a profession is still a question or Is it a profession that can become an alternative for Indian youth to embrace? Shedding the light on the business side of sculpting, she said, “I understand, In relation to the commercial aspect of the art industry in India, I observe a positive trend. The thriving economy has resulted in individuals ascending the income ladder, naturally fueling a desire for luxury items.”
As per the sales rate of her shows and exhibitions, Niyamat firmly accepted that on average she sold out 85 per cent of her shows. She also added that the number of people moving from the middle class to the upper middle class in India who are looking forward to investing their money in art.
In addition, she shared an instance when she was in London at Sotheby’s, there was a whole module on the emerging art markets and India. As per experience, an artist needs to be patient and honest with his/her work to attain success in further life journeys.
The young sculptor has future plans to get along with the Indian youth in order to train and teach them the nuances of sculpting as she considers it as an art that calms multiple issues related to the mind and provides mental stability.
Niyamat is an international sculptor who has recently launched a collection of Meraki that implies an essence of ourselves, and surrendering a part of yourself in your craft.
