Redefining spaces beyond decoration through the language of Indian sculpture

Upon entering a well-designed space, the interaction between furniture, lighting and textiles often defines its function and aesthetic. However, even the most beautiful interiors can feel incomplete when the objects within them lack meaning and character. According to Sanya Malik of Sculpted India, sculpture offers a way to bring greater depth and identity to living spaces.

“That is when sculpture steps in. Being situated at the intersection of art, architecture and design, three-dimensional art gives more to an interior than just another decorative object. It brings life into it, creating an active part of the environment that grows and changes under the influence of light and shadows and the people who surround it,” she says.

India has a rich sculptural tradition that spans centuries, from ancient architectural reliefs to bold experiments in modern art. Yet, sculpture has often received less attention than two-dimensional art within the modern art landscape. Malik believes Sculpted India can help change that perception.

“In an attempt to address the shortcomings of this perspective, through Sculpted India, our aim was to transform this discourse for the better,” she explains.

As part of Design Democracy 2026 in Hyderabad, Sculpted India presents a curated selection of modern and contemporary Indian sculptures. The exhibition features works by renowned artists such as Thota Vaikuntam, Krishen Khanna, MF Husain, Himmat Shah and Jogen Chowdhury, alongside innovative works by emerging and contemporary artists, including Dhananjay Singh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi and Yashika Sugandh.

The exhibition brings together a diverse range of materials and forms, with artworks exploring themes of identity, nature, human existence and architecture. From the figurative approaches of Vaikuntam and Khanna to HimmatShah’s experimental engagement with materials, the collection highlights the relevance and versatility of three-dimensional art.

“Our vision with Sculpted India is to build an enduring cultural movement that takes sculpture out of restrictive environments and integrates it directly into the spaces where we live and gather. By showing how three-dimensional forms interact with spatial design, we hope to inspire a new generation of collectors to experience Indian art not just as something to look at, but as something to live alongside,” Malik says.

For interior design enthusiasts, architects and collectors, incorporating sculpture into modern spaces offers an opportunity to move beyond conventional decoration. As interiors increasingly become expressions of personal identity, sculptures introduce cultural significance and individuality through their shapes, sizes, textures and materials.

Malik highlights how sculptural works can establish a dialogue with architecture, creating a dynamic relationship between art and its surroundings. Whether monumental or intimate, sculptures can influence the atmosphere of a space through contrasts, textures and visual harmony.

“With the exhibition Sculpted India, our purpose goes further than just presenting artworks in a gallery space. Our aim is to start a cultural movement in which sculptures become part of our lives by learning about how physical forms relate to architectural structures. This will lead to a newfound appreciation of Indian modern and contemporary sculptures,” she adds. Through Sculpted India, Malik hopes to encourage a deeper engagement with Indian sculpture, bringing art into everyday environments and highlighting its role in shaping the way people experience and connect with the spaces around them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Askari Jaffer

Askari Jaffer[email protected]

Askari Jaffer, Features Editor, with a longstanding interest in writing a range of stories, has earned herself a place in the field of journalism. With strong values and courage acquired from her father, who served in the Indian Defence, she reflects in her writings. A strong desire to learn about the legal system, she has focused her writing on women's challenges. She writes about the women who became successful in various fields to inspire others. She takes an interest in education, health, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment too.

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