G Reghu with one of his idols. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The figures crafted by G Reghu have a worldly, yet whimsical quality. At first glance, it is easy to mistake his work for being made of clay, when in truth the artist has used ceramic and bronze to create the sculptures displayed in his solo show, Primal Connections.
Scenes from everyday life – tete-a-tete, yoga postures, livestock, mothers and children, moments of solitude – that are forgotten take shape in Reghu’s work.
“Human life is full of stress, whether you are living in a war zone or dealing with personal challenges. Yet, most of the time, the source of these anxieties is man-made. Sadly, women, children and the elderly are the worst hit. All of my creations are created in the hope of bringing a sense of peace to this day.”
He adds, “For me, the Mother and Child series creates love and compassion, while yoga creates a feeling of peace and relaxation. War affects people on both sides, but I believe that if more positive sentiments like patience, goodwill and harmony are promoted, there will be less opportunities for discord.”
A sculpture by G Reghu Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The nature lover, who has spent a lot of time in Wayanad in Kerala and Bastar in Chhattisgarh, says he feels human existence among the tribal population there is immaculate, “because they are not afraid of war, and they live in the simple joys of food and water,” adding that most of the figures in his work are based on them.
original story
Reghu was born in an ordinary family in Kilimanoor, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Elizabeth Baker, wife of architect Laurie Baker, worked at the hospital adjacent to the playground and often passed out paper and colored pencils to children playing nearby.
“She would encourage us to draw pictures or make greeting cards and show them. I was one of those children whose work she liked and she took me under her wing, sponsoring my schooling. She is the one who encouraged me to join the College of Fine Arts in Thiruvananthapuram.”
Life eventually took Reghu to Bhopal’s Bharat Bhavan, an international art center ahead of its time, where he spent over 20 years working, before relocating to Bengaluru 20 years ago.
A sculpture by G Reghu Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The approximately 50 to 60 pieces displayed in Primal Connections have been created over the past three years. Measuring between nine inches and 3.2 feet, they are untitled, as the artist says, “I don’t want to limit the audience to the name I can give a piece; they can have very different understandings of the same work and I don’t want to impose my vision on them.”
Primal Connections will be on display at Gallery Time & Space, Bengaluru from 23 November to 14 December. Admission free; Monday closed.
published – November 21, 2025 12:33 PM IST