Crafting Songs in Clay- A session celebrating creativity and art. Renowned sculptor G Reghu in conversation with Ina Puri during The Hindu Lit for Life Dialogue at Christ (Deemed University) in Bengaluru on December 20. Photo courtesy: K. Murali Kumar
Identity is an important aspect for an artist. If art is made, even without a name people should know whose it is. Famous Kerala sculptor G Reghu said, this is how an artist gives importance to his work.
As Ina Puri put it, his art miniatures slipping into the background, he sat as “an unwilling participant in the public”. In conversation with art curator Ms. Puri The Hindu At the Lit for Life Dialogue 2025 here at Christ’s (Deemed University), Mr. Reghu said about his artistic process: “It starts from the basic drawing to the design, selection and type of materials used. “Only then can we build something that will last.”
Hailing from Kilimanoor, a small town in Kerala, the art of Mr. Reghu has crossed international boundaries. With traces of Gandhian philosophy, he said that Elizabeth and Laurie Baker influenced him early in his career. “That’s when I decided to abandon expensive materials like marble and bronze and turn to simple terracotta,” he said.
Apart from him, there is no artist in Shri Reghu’s family. “Kilimanur is the birthplace of painter Raja Ravi Varma. This city has always been associated with the arts,” he said.
Even though Sri Reghu’s art bears traces of the people of Kerala, his sculptures have traveled to many places in India. “In 1987, I went to Bharat Bhavan where I worked for the next 15 years. My first gallery was in Jahangir in Mumbai. The artist Swaminathan had a great influence on me in my early years. They inspire me to reflect my roots in my work,” he said.
His sculptures, exploring the human form in various shapes and subdued organic colors, reflect the Gandhian philosophy to which he was exposed in his early years. As Ms. Puri says, her art has a touch of Kerala. “I paint what I see every day. These worldly things are what make it closer to reality. The simple joys of life,” he replied.
G Reghu during The Hindu Lit for Life Dialogue in Bengaluru. , Photo courtesy: K. Murali Kumar
He further added, “The characters are always changing. they should. I try to diversify them as much as possible. Art should not be limited to one point of view. It should be free. It should reflect the thinking and imagination of the artist and should not be trapped under the pressure of external forces.”
Even though Mr. Reghu has been in this field for so many years, he does not lag behind in fame and recognition. He believes this defeats the purpose of art. “I don’t go after awards. I work according to my own time and rules. “I give great importance to my work and don’t go after anything else,” he said.
“Art is beyond boundaries. For example, theater is linked to sculpture. The faces I see on stage are the same faces I work with. There is a lot to learn and adopt,” he said.
published – December 20, 2024 08:40 PM IST
