Inside and outside of life: Sculptor with a thought-provoking theme

The crescent moon is a recurring theme in all the works of sculptor Khageswar Rout at the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Central Motif: The Crescent Moon
- Rout uses the crescent moon as a recurring symbol in his sculptures.
- It represents duality—the interplay of light and darkness, growth and decay, hope and despair.
- This duality mirrors the inner and outer aspects of human existence, making his art deeply philosophical.

Materials and Technique
- His works are entirely handmade using natural materials like clay, stone, and bark.
- He intentionally creates hollow spaces in his sculptures, symbolizing the hidden structures of plant life and the human mind.
- This approach blends architecture and organic forms, showing how nature and thought are interconnected.

Themes Explored
- Ecological balance & climate crisis: His fragile clay sculptures highlight environmental fragility while also conveying resilience.
- Life’s paradoxes: Growth and decay coexist in his plant-inspired forms, reflecting the simultaneous processes within body, soul, and thought.
- Human-nature connection: His installations emphasize harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Current Exhibition
- Displayed at the Island Warehouse, Willingdon Island (Kochi), one of the Biennale’s main venues.
- His installation is part of India’s most significant art event, spanning the port city and drawing global attention.

👉 In essence, Khageswar Rout’s sculptures invite viewers to reflect on life’s inner mysteries and external realities, using the crescent moon as a metaphor for transformation and balance.