An exhibition of contemporary studio pottery, “Sinuous Undulations: Temptations in Curves” by Neeru Bhargava was held recently at Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi.
As an artist with a background in high fashion apparel design, different colours, laces, embroideries, patterns, prints and textures, Bhargava has also worked on clay and pottery.
“At the age of 47, despite a successful and fulfilling career, I took the startling decision to shift focus and to switch my medium. Having been passionate about clay since my childhood, I took a call and stopped my fashion designing for a year to focus on learning pottery. I learnt throwing and glazing simultaneously for an entire year with my wonderful teacher, Rachna Parasher in an intensive course. I went to US for two years and then set up my studio Mrittika 396.” says the sculptor Bhargava.
According to Bhargava, her primary focus has been on wheel-thrown forms because she enjoyed the inherent fluidity that it brings with it. “The shape of the pot evolves independently in a unique magical way as I work on it. In this collection, the meandering curves, the sinuous undulations are a metaphor for how one’s life takes different twists and turns. One can never predict what lies ahead, but one has to go with the flow and take things calmly. The lessons learnt from life are the main inspiration behind this collection. Of course, I have travelled a lot and have been inspired by temples down in south India in Rameshwaram. And in Cambodia, the temples consist of Indian gods and goddesses.”
The artist has experimented with various kinds of high and low temperature techniques of firing to bring a new look to her work. BHargava has imbued the work with her life experiences and learnings and the works of art are richer because of that. “My ultimate goal is for the viewers to feel a sense of peace and comfort when viewing my creations,” she says.
Bhargava has been exhibiting her works on a regular basis since 1996 and been selected to participate in various national and regional camps. She has even exhibited in the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Recently her artworks have been selected for the Nationals by Lalit Kala Akademi.
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