An exploration of clay, emotion and form, where each sculpture tells a unique amd silent story, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on universal themes of life and emotion. Reghu’s terracotta sculptures serve as a poignant reminder of art’s ability to connect us to shared experiences.
Art has the ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, often speaking in ways words cannot. One might turn to the words of Rainer Maria Rilke, who said, “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden for a long time.” This sentiment holds true when considering the intricate process of sculpting with clay. There is a quiet beauty in this material, one that captures human emotion in its rawest form. The artist, much like the poet, chisels and shapes to create something that becomes a medium for expression, a storyteller in itself.
The poet Pablo Neruda once wrote, “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” This feeling came to mind as I observed G. Reghu’s terracotta sculptures in the Touchable Emotions exhibition, at Art Magnum Gallery. Curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, the exhibition brings together a collection of sculptures that reflect Reghu's keen connection to clay, a material he describes as spiritually significant.
Reghu's work captures the essence of human emotion, using terracotta to shape stories of life and heritage. Each sculpture in the exhibition conveys a distinct aspect of the human condition, from joy to sorrow, contemplation to celebration. The earthy textures and vibrant colours of the terracotta figures invite viewers to engage with them on an intimate level. Reghu’s ability to merge Dravidian and African features in his work creates forms that feel both rooted in history and deeply personal.
One of the most striking aspects of his sculptures is their connection to ancient artistic traditions, particularly those of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilisations. At the same time, his work resonates with modern themes of identity and emotion. His sculptures are dynamic, full of life and meaning and offer layers of narrative that invite interpretation.
The exhibition space itself enhances the experience, with each sculpture thoughtfully placed to draw the viewer into its story. Reghu’s use of clay transforms a simple material into something that feels alive, tangible and deeply connected to the shared human experience. The textures, contours and expressions in his work make it an art form that doesn’t merely ask to be seen but to be felt.
Throughout Touchable Emotions, Reghu demonstrates an extraordinary ability to capture the depth of emotion in his sculptures. Whether it’s the tension in a figure’s stance, the tilt of a head or the openness of an outstretched arm, his work invites a dialogue between art and viewer. These sculptures are not static objects, they are reflections of life and emotion.
Touchable Emotions is an exhibition that celebrates the artistry and vision of G. Reghu. It bridges the past and the present, uniting ancient traditions with contemporary themes. It offers a powerful reminder of how art, through even the simplest materials, can connect us to our shared humanity and emotions.
