Sculpted to perfection

Artist-cum-sculptor Manjari Goenka’s creations are simple yet decorative. Her works exemplify the artistic fusion of the traditional and the contemporary. Inspired by human expression and spirituality, Goenka transforms her ideas into semi-realistic forms in bronze, wood, fibre glass and cement. MARWAR presents a collection of some of the artist’s best works.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

“My sculptures depict emotions and the Indian way of life. Through my works, I like to focus on emotions that people experience in their daily lives, and the divinity that an artist sees in the so-called ordinary moments. I like to add my own contemporary take in otherwise traditional hand-crafted items. I use various colours, interesting shapes and traditional details with a contemporary twist to create semi-realistic forms.

My parents were supportive and progressive minded and encouraged me to follow my dreams. My husband, Shishir Goenka, and my two sons are equally appreciative and encouraging, and so are my in-laws. My artistic abilities have bloomed because of their faith in me, along with the support of my artist friends.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Manjari Goenka’s family is originally from the small town of Ratangarh in Rajasthan and her husband’s family hails from Churu in Rajasthan. Goenka did her diploma in sculpture from Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi (1986-1989), and her BCom (Hons) from Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi. She has participated in various exhibitions across the country. Goenka’s first solo exhibition was at Kamalnayan Bajaj Hall and Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 1999, while her first international solo exhibition was in 2006 at Galerie der Dinge in Munich, Germany. Apart from various private homes in India, New Zealand and Spain, one can find her collections at the Reading Room in the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai. Goenka’s latest exhibition was held at Kamalnayan Bajaj Hall and Art Gallery, Mumbai, in March this year. Goenka’s sculptures are semi-realistic in form, and depict rural scenes, emotions in people and different forms of Lord Ganesha, Lord Buddha and Lord Krishna. She uses bronze, aluminum, wood, terracotta, fibre glass and cement to carve or mould the simple yet ornamental forms. All her works have an Indian feel to them, as she tries to portray what she sees around her through her art.