Sculptor Robin David
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Veteran sculptor Robin David marks 50 years of his sculptural journey with ‘Sculpting Voids’, an exhibition curated by Aman Preet Kaur of Sirjanhara The Art Studio in Hyderabad. The showcase features 30 meticulously crafted stone sculptures, created over six years. Ranging from one to four feet high in height and sculpted from black and white marble, these works exude symmetry and rhythm. Embracing abstraction, Robin invites viewers to interpret the pieces through their own perspectives, making each interaction a personal experience.
Void, an integral part
Marble stone sculpture by Robin David
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Can an empty space be as engaging and expressive as a sculpture? In Robin’s stone sculptures, voids are an integral part of his visual narrative. The exhibition offers insight into his creative process, exploring the interplay between solid forms and vacant spaces to introduce a new dimension..
The 75-year-old sculptor has visited Hyderabad before to organise symposiums but has never had a solo exhibition in the city. In fact, he had originally planned to showcase his works here after a preview in Bhopal. “But one art collector bought all my works within an hour, so I couldn’t bring them here,” he recalls with a laugh.
Fascination with stone
Robin David with Aman Preet Kaur at the show
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Robin’s fascination with stone began in Gwalior in 1974. A student of the Government College of Fine Arts, he played a key role in establishing the college’s sculpture department, which previously only offered painting. “Ours was the first batch, with just seven students — none of us knew how to sculpt,” he recalls.
The historical Ek Pathar Ki Bawdi in Gwalior became their guru, as the students learned the craft by chiselling stone with hammers. This hands-on experience cemented Robin’s enduring love for stone, although he has also experimented with materials like stainless steel and glass. Yet, stone remains his primary source of inspiration.
Celebrating the sculptor
Curator Aman Preet Kaur has been connected to Robin David since her college days, first knowing him as a sculptor and later witnessing her own transition into curation. When she visited his home in Bhopal in November 2024, she was captivated not just by the scale of his works but by the remarkable journey that led him there. “He is more than a sculptor; he is a force of nature, a multidisciplinary artist whose path has been anything but conventional,” she says.
A self-taught sculptor, Robin has spent decades creating both monumental and minimalist forms. “He was also an integral part of the making of Bharat Bhavan, a defining cultural institution, but walked away from the project due to the politics surrounding it — a choice that speaks to his unwavering artistic vision,” she adds.
Curating ‘Sculpting Voids’ has given her the opportunity to immerse herself in his artistic world and celebrate his extraordinary legacy. “This exhibition is a tribute to an artist who has not only shaped stone but also redefined the landscape of Indian sculpture, leaving behind spaces that continue to resonate long after the chisel has been set down.”
Creative pursuits
Marble stone sculpture by Robin David
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
During his 25-year stay in Makrana, Rajasthan, Robin forged deep bonds with traditional artisans, immersing himself in the craft to preserve, propagate, learn, collaborate, and teach. His time there was not just about sculpting but also about honouring and sustaining centuries-old techniques.
He has also worked with Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh on a series of bavdis (stepwells), using his artistry to emphasise the importance of water conservation. Through these collaborations, Robin blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concerns, ensuring that his work carried both cultural and environmental significance.
Marble stone sculpture by Robin David
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Considered one of the pioneers of sculpture art in Central India, Robin David has organised and participated in numerous symposiums across India and internationally, including in Mexico, Turkey, and Italy. His influence extends beyond his own creations — he has trained around 100 artisans, shaping the next generation of sculptors with his unconventional teaching approach.
Unlike traditional methods that begin with drawing on stone before carving, Robin encourages aspiring sculptors to carve directly, forging an intuitive connection with the material. “Stone sculpting is a mindful process. Be patient and listen to it. Forge a connection with your body and mind, and it will speak to you — you will know where to start,” he says. His philosophy underscores the meditative and immersive nature of sculpting, turning it into a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Sculpting Voids, a solo exhibition by master sculptor Robin David is on at Phoenix Arena in Hyderabad till March 16.
Published – February 27, 2025 11:45 am IST
