On Saturday, 15th February 2025, Bespoke Art Gallery hosted one of the most remarkable evenings in Ahmedabad’s art calendar—a captivating conversation between the esteemed sculptor Arun Pandit and renowned art historian, critic, and curator Uma Nair. The event brought together artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts for an insightful discourse on Pandit’s artistic journey, his contributions to public art, and his mastery of bronze sculpture.
A Sculptor of Monumental Vision
Arun Pandit, widely recognized for his iconic Garuda sculpture at Tirupati Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has firmly established himself as a transformative force in contemporary Indian sculpture. His ability to blend tradition with modern expression has redefined the language of bronze, capturing the complexities of human emotion, resilience, and artistic evolution.
Uma Nair, who had been following Pandit’s career since discovering his work at the ICCR Gallery in Kolkata in 2010, described him as one of India’s most significant sculptors working in bronze. She recounted how his sculptures transcend mere representation, delving into the intricacies of material and form. His distinctive technique—a fusion of raw bronze casting with detailed facial patina—imparts a hauntingly enigmatic presence to his figures, balancing fragility with strength.
The Collector’s Perspective: Devin Gawarvala’s Passion for Art
Devin Gawarvala son of Samir Gawarvala grew up with art around his home. His father Samir has been collecting art from around the world, and 5 years ago Devin decided he would look at the works of artists from countries such as Uzbekistan, Ukraine as well as UK, Switzerland and other places. Director of Rubber King, Devin is also a dedicated conservationist, who has a deep love for philanthropy, landscaping as well as art. In its breadth and depth, it reflects modern times, encompassing a testament to Devin’s thirst for knowledge, his passion and connoisseurship as he lives surrounded by masterpieces of the art-historical canon of today’s world. Devin’s collection in this suite is rooted in his belief in the power of individuals and communities to create a better world. This collection is an endorsement of the belief that we all belong to the cosmos. From sculptures to paintings, each work is about life and the universe in its myriad hues and experiences.
Art as a Language of Perception
During the discussion, Arun Pandit reflected on his creative process, emphasizing the transformative power of perception in sculpture.
“Not all of my sculptures are beautiful in the conventional sense. Some are deliberately challenging—the viewer must navigate around them to uncover the nuances in form and gesture. But once you train your eye to see beyond the surface, that perspective extends to everything in life.”
Pandit’s fascination with perception stemmed from his early years in Patna, where he closely observed the interplay between architecture, people, and space. His public sculptures, installed across various Indian cities, reinforce the notion that thought itself is tangible and that sculpture serves as a bridge between intellectual and aesthetic experience.
Uma Nair, reflecting on Pandit’s career, remarked:
“His sculptures are not just about form and material; they capture the silent dialogues of existence. Each piece is a moment of introspection, urging viewers to look deeper into themselves.”
Public Art and the Power of Space
Arun Pandit’s artistic philosophy revolves around space, placement, and interaction. He firmly believes that the setting of a sculpture defines its meaning.
“When you place a sculpture on a pedestal, you manipulate space and time. Shifting that pedestal changes the sculpture’s essence, just as shifting perspectives in life alter perception. My work is an ongoing dialogue between gravity, form, and the human spirit.”
His Garuda sculpture at Tirupati Airport, a symbol of strength, spirituality, and Indian heritage, stands as a testament to his vision. Pandit’s contributions to public art installations across India continue to enrich the country’s urban landscapes, transforming open spaces into immersive artistic experiences.
Uma Nair: The Curator’s Eye
With an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Uma Nair has been a guiding force in Indian art. As a writer for prestigious publications like The Economic Times, Times of India, and Architectural Digest India, she has championed the works of both modern and contemporary artists.
Her curatorial projects—Moderns (2007), Earth Song (2016), and Bapu @150 (2019)—have cemented her reputation as an expert in the field. She has also authored books on Dhanraj Bhagat, Upendra Maharathi, and South Indian sculpture archives at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Her global perspective, shaped by her extensive travels to exhibitions in New York and Washington D.C., allows her to identify emerging talent with exceptional precision. She believes that curators play a crucial role in shaping the art world by discovering and nurturing hidden artistic gems.
“A great curator does not just showcase established artists. They bring forth the unknown talents, those who have labored in obscurity, and place them on the art map.”
A Resounding Success for Ahmedabad’s Art Scene
Events like these contribute significantly to fostering cultural dialogue, enhancing the city’s reputation as a growing hub for contemporary art and artist excellence. By bringing together different voices and experiences, Bespoke Art Gallery hopes to foster a dialogue that not only enriches the local art scene, but also positions the city as a pivotal player in the global contemporary art narrative.
