TAKSHANAM Exhibition Launched at National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated TAKSHANAM, a major sculpture exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi. The exhibition features more than 250 sculptures by 150 artists, representing different generations, artistic traditions, and contemporary approaches to sculpture.

Key Highlights
- Theme: TAKSHANAM explores the evolution of Indian sculpture, connecting traditional sculptural heritage with contemporary artistic innovation.
- Meaning: The title is derived from the Sanskrit root takṣ (तक्ष्), meaning "to carve," "shape," or "fashion."
- Participants: The exhibition includes both renowned sculptors and artists selected through an open-call process.

Sections:
- Eminent Artists: Works by established and veteran sculptors.
- Open Call Artists: Approximately 80-90 artists selected by a jury.
- NGMA Collection: Selected works from NGMA's own collection are also displayed, encouraging dialogue between historical and contemporary practices.

Remarks by Dignitaries
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized that art reflects India's cultural identity and that TAKSHANAM helps connect artists with wider audiences while supporting both established and emerging talent.
- Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, highlighted the exhibition's role in promoting artistic excellence and creating opportunities for artists across the country.
- Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, underscored India's rich sculptural heritage, from the Indus Valley Civilization to contemporary internationally recognized artists such as Anish Kapoor and Subodh Gupta.

First-Time Artwork Sales Initiative
A notable feature of TAKSHANAM is that artworks are being offered for sale at NGMA for the first time. The initiative aims to:
- Support artists financially.
- Connect artists with collectors and art enthusiasts.
- Encourage greater public engagement with sculpture.

Visitor Information
- Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Jaipur House, India Gate, New Delhi
- Duration: Open until 15 November 2026

About NGMA
The National Gallery of Modern Art, under the Ministry of Culture, is one of India's leading institutions for preserving, promoting, and showcasing modern and contemporary Indian art through exhibitions, educational programs, and public engagement initiatives.