One of the most commonly voiced concerns of the young artists in India today are the issues they face integrating the formal discoveries of modern art with indigenous tradition in a way that is meaningful to contemporary India. S. Nandagopal, an Indian sculptor, creates works of striking originality and beauty. His sculptures though little known in the West, have been widely acclaimed in India and Nandagopal has repeatedly been singled out for numerous awards.

Preferring to use craft procedures in his work, Nandagopal has allowed himself to work without constraint, as in the spirit of Indian craftsmanship one is not tied down by the restraints of themes or meaning. Nandagopal does however allow himself to be influenced by Indian history and iconography. Sourcing heavily from legend, mythology, and ritual, Nandagopal finds in them rich figures for an ‘unknown something’ which he feels is reflected all around.

Nandagopal has effortlessly maintained his rich Indian identity while still remaining relevant to modern and contemporary art.

 

 

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Bangalore in 1946, Nandagopal is today one of Asia’s foremost expressive sculptures. As the son of famed artist, K.C.S Paniker, Nandagopal was raised in an inspiring and creative atmosphere.

Nandagopal was educated at Madras University’s Loyola College where he graduated with a degree in physics in 1966. Following that, Nandagopal began his training as an artist at the Madras Government College of Arts and Crafts. Working only with metals, mediums rarely utilized in fine art, Nandagopal’s education has enabled him to combine his artistic creativity with the technical complexity required to create his sculptures.

The artist’s exceptional skill and the mastery of his choice of material are evidenced by his numerous awards. His accolades include the 1968 and 1978 Award of the Madras State Lalit Kala Akademi and the 1978 Gold Medal at the IVth Triennale International in New Delhi. Nandagopal was also awarded the Homi Bhabha Fellowship by the Government of India in 1980.

Since the 1970s, Nandagopal has exhibited extensively around the world. From Antwerp to Teheran, Nandagopal’s works have found their way into museums and private collections both in Indian and internationally. 2006 sees Nandagopal exhibiting the largest collection of his works at the Singapore Art Museum.