A collective of three artists in Jammu has been actively engaged in a series of public art projects, breathing life into an ambitious evolution park, crafting memorial sculptures for military personnel, and contributing to various beautification initiatives across the city. Their workshop, primarily based in Udaipur, has established a temporary workspace in Jammu to facilitate these ongoing endeavors, fostering creativity and technical skill development for local artists.
One of the most significant projects underway is the creation of an “evolution park” for the Jammu Army Public School. This park is envisioned as a visual narrative of life’s development and diversity, featuring approximately 25 fibreglass sculptures that will depict various life forms, including humans, lions, monkeys, reptiles, and butterflies. Rahul Sharma, a BFA graduate specializing in sculpture from Jammu University, explained the educational intent behind the project. “The idea is to present these different stages through sculptures so that people, especially students, can understand the progression and diversity of life visually and engagingly,” Sharma stated. The artistic process involves initial clay sculpting, followed by molding, fibreglass casting, and finally, painting to meet client specifications and achieve the desired aesthetic finish.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the artists have also undertaken significant work for the Army, producing memorial sculptures that honor fallen soldiers. This includes the installation of three-foot-high statues of martyr Captain Devashish Sharma, Sepoy Deepak Kumar, and Sepoy S Yousuf at the Northern Command hospital in Udhampur. Prior to this, the team had completed a large “Guru-Shishya” themed sculpture installation for the Northern Command, featuring an approximately eight-foot-high figure of a guru accompanied by two disciples, each measuring about five feet. These commissions highlight the artists’ capability to produce works of both artistic merit and profound commemorative significance.
Beyond these specific projects, the artists have also contributed to the city’s urban landscape through various Smart City initiatives, including extensive wall paintings and other assignments for both government and private clients. Kunal Sadhotra, a professional sculptor from Reasi with a decade of experience, emphasized the value of the Jammu workshop. “The Jammu workshop has provided artists an opportunity to work on projects demanding both creativity and technical expertise,” Sadhotra remarked. He further noted their involvement in creating fibreglass animal figures for the Jammu Zoo and their current work on approximately 30 fibreglass figures for a Science Park project. Sadhotra believes such projects serve as a crucial platform for emerging artists, stating, “Many artists have experience and talent, but they do not have the right platform or opportunities to showcase their work. The government should create more such platforms where artists can use their skills, share their experience and also mentor young artists.”
Sakshee, who holds a Master’s degree in Applied Arts and possesses around 10 years of experience in Fine Arts, has seen her own artistic practice evolve from murals to sculpture. She has been instrumental in handling the detailed finishing aspects of the sculptures. “I have worked on both commercial and government projects and have created different murals. I also got the opportunity to work on sculptures, where I handled detailing and finishing,” Sakshee shared. She expressed optimism about securing more commercial and government projects and highlighted the personal growth she has experienced through the complete sculpture-making process. The collaborative environment of the workshop, despite its temporary nature in Jammu, has become a hub where sculptures are not merely objects but narratives of evolution, valor, and creativity, ultimately contributing to enduring public art installations.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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