New Delhi: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated TAKSHANAM, a major sculpture exhibition featuring over 250 sculptures by 150 artists, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, on 15 October 2026. Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, was also present at the inauguration.
The exhibition brings together artists from different generations and artistic backgrounds, exploring the evolution of Indian sculpture and the relationship between traditional sculptural heritage and contemporary artistic practices. It aims to provide a shared platform for artistic exchange, encourage public engagement with art and highlight emerging possibilities in sculptural expression.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shekhawat emphasised the role of art in expressing India’s cultural identity and creative spirit. He noted that initiatives such as TAKSHANAM help connect artists with audiences, encourage appreciation of artistic traditions and contemporary expressions, and provide opportunities for both established and emerging talent.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition is organised into two principal sections. The Eminent Artists section presents works by experienced and veteran sculptors who have contributed to the development of Indian sculpture. The Open Call Artists section features works by approximately 80–90 artists selected through a jury process. The exhibition also incorporates artworks from NGMA’s own collection, encouraging dialogue between established practitioners and artists exploring new creative directions.
Connecting India’s Sculptural Heritage with Contemporary Practice
The exhibition’s title draws inspiration from the Sanskrit root takṣ (तक्ष्), meaning to carve, shape or fashion. The concept reflects sculpture as an evolving creative process shaped by thought, experience, material and form.
Dr Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, highlighted India’s long-standing sculptural heritage, tracing its legacy from the Harappan and Mohenjo-daro civilisations to the sculptural traditions associated with temple architecture and heritage sites such as Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho. He also underscored the importance of recognising and supporting contemporary sculptors.
A significant feature of TAKSHANAM is NGMA’s initiative to offer artworks for sale at the gallery for the first time. The initiative seeks to strengthen connections among artists, collectors and art enthusiasts while creating potential avenues of financial support for practitioners. This is particularly relevant to sculpture, which often involves substantial material costs, specialised skills and extended production timelines.
Vivek Aggarwal noted that the exhibition provides a platform for diverse artistic voices to reach wider audiences, while the sale of artworks can strengthen engagement between artists and collectors.
Through TAKSHANAM, NGMA seeks to celebrate India’s sculptural heritage while recognising the contribution of contemporary practitioners to its continuing evolution. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 15 November 2026 at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Jaipur House, India Gate, New Delhi.
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