Behind The Frame

K. S. Radhakrishnan

K. S. Radhakrishnan

Watching master sculptor K.S. Radhakrishnan at work is a performance in itself. His process is distinctive, the outcome not limited by material or time. His preference for modelling and bronze casting over new materials sets him apart from his contemporaries. Blending old school sculptural process with a new sensibility he brings to Indian sculpting a sense and technique that is not common.

K.S. Radhakrishnan’s is a name synonymous with the resurgence in Indian sculpture. His installations are ambitious and he ensures that they are created exactly as he imaged. One thing he has proven over and over is that mediocrity is not his thing. His craft is as lofty as his thought. They are both at once intimate and universal in their appeal. This has made his masterpieces the centre of attraction at many public collections all over the world.

His pieces have a certain eternal quality about them making them a fashion statement of sorts across the ages. The style is something he has evolved on his own. He says his best lesson for his craft came from his father who instilled in the son a passion for the potency of ritual dances and performances, learning which he uses remarkably well to his advantage even today. Brimming with dance, drama and performance, his delicate human forms hold ground in any settings inspiring awe in their audience. His repertoire includes larger than life works, installed in public spaces where they evoke a superhuman atmosphere. The works often draw from the emotions and myths of the Hindu Gods – Shiva, Kali and Radha. Sensuality and life are central to his works.

Over the years, Radhakrishnan has tried and tested alternate sculpting mediums, working in molten bronze, beeswax and Plaster of Paris.

Winner of several awards including the National Scholarship, LKA Fellowship and Birla Academy of Art & Culture Award amongst others, his work has been exhibited in many solo and group shows held at Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Paris and the USA. He lives in Delhi and works from his studio on the outskirts of the city.

To see artworks by K. S. Radhakrishnan, click here

EDUCATION

1979 B.F.A. in Sculpture, Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan

1981 M.F.A. in Sculpture, Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan

SOLO SHOWS

2006 'Freehold' at Museum Gallery, Mumbai

2005 'The Ramp' at Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai

2004 'The Ramp' at Sridharani Art Gallery, New Delhi

2004 'The Ramp' at Bayer ABS Limited Gallery, Vadodara

1997 Hotel Park Royal, New Delhi

1997 'Portal' - Apeejay Lawns, Calcutta, sponsored by Apeejay Surendra, Group, Calcutta

1994 Khirkee Gallery, New Delhi

1993 Centre des Bonds de Marne, LePerreux-Bry sur-Marne, Paris, France

1992 Studio Khirkee, New Delhi

1987 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

1983 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

PARTICIPATION, PROJECTS AND AWARDS

2005 Travel to Istanbul, Turkey to attend artists workshop

2005 Travel to China (Silk Route) sponsored by Uttarayan, Baroda

2005 Travel to South Africa organised by Gallery Navya, New Delhi

2004 Travel to Mauritius to attend artists workshop

2002 Installed sculptures at TMI Campus, France

2002 Travel to Thailand to attend the artists workshop at Pataya

2001 Attended Artist workshop, Coco Palms, Puri, Orissa

2000 'Contemporary Woman' at HongKong Visual Arts Centre, HongKong

1996 Worked on the large bronzes for TMI, Denmark

1995 Installed sculptures at TMI (Time Manager International) Campus, France

1991 Worked at Studio Obsonvile, France

1990 Sculpture Workshop at Kanoria Art Centre, Ahmedabad

1989 Travelled to London and Paris, by Ministry of External Affairs

1988 Installed Sculpture in India House, London, UK

1985 Participated in Sculpture Workshop, Banaras Hindu University

1984 Worked at Lalit Kala Studios, Garhi, New Delhi

1981 Awarded Fellowship from Lalit Kala Academi (LKA) New Delhi

1980 National Exhibition, organised by L.K.A, New Delhi

1978 National Scholarship, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

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