An exhibition commemorating life and works of sculptor Bal Krishan Guru
Reporting for www.indialife.social
'Shapes of Memories', an exhibition celebrating the life and works of celebrated modern artist and sculpting legend Late Bal Krishan Guru (born 1940, Lahore) was showcased at Bikaner House from March 18 - 23. Curated by Georgina Maddox, the exhibition was inaugurated by Roger Gopaul, The High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The aim of the event was to empower 80 underprivileged girls, and provide them a platform to showcase their talent and create a space for themselves in the cultural world. Apart from them, 20 professional artists also performed at the event.
The show tracked the stunning sculptures of Bal Krishan Guru, and shed light to the mediums, styles and themes taken on by Bal Krishan Guru, a sculptor who was an unsung hero of his time. Organised by his wife Pushpa Guru, who still survives him, the show was a posthumous attempt to reclaim some of the memories and bring exposure to his work. She recalls that her husband devoted his days to art and quickly began to be referred to as a Guru of his craft of casting bronze sculpture in the foundry and so he adopted the name as part of his identity.
Over the course of his life and career in art, Guru received national scholarships as well as recognitions such as the National Award- Lalit Kala Akademi (1963), and President of India Award (1964). His works can be found in collections in India and abroad. According to Maddox, the show’s curator, “a trip to his studio in Central Delhi reveals a vast collection of work that started with large naturalistic sculptures to highly stylised forms that were moving towards a more abstract, linear expression. His son Pankaj Guru is also an artist and he trained under his father, and at the Delhi College of Art.”
Like many artists of his time, Guru’s works reflect the concerns and preoccupations of the times. The important thing to note is that Guru learned and then moved beyond the realist style that was being taught at the British-led art schools in the early 20th-century.
The highlight of the evening was the world premiere of Malabar, composed and performed by guitarist Matt Bacon. The AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra and Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise were also part of the performance, showcasing their exceptional talent and passion for music.Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council, said, “The Concert for Friendship is a true celebration of the universal language of music, which transcends borders and brings people together.”
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