January 2025, Jaipur:

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Under the chairmanship of HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust is proud to unveil the 5th Edition of The Sculpture Park at Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025.

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This initiative, in collaboration with The Saat Saath Arts Foundation and Jaipur Centre for Art (JCA), marks a significant milestone in Jaipur’s emergence as a global hub for contemporary art. As the co-founder of JCA, His Highness has been instrumental in blending Jaipur’s storied cultural legacy with the dynamic spirit of modern artistic practices, ensuring the city’s heritage spaces evolve as living monuments of creativity.

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The Sculpture Park, founded by Aparajita Jain and Peter Nagy was first inaugurated on December 7, 2017, with a landmark group exhibition of 24 sculptors, has established itself as a cornerstone of contemporary art in Rajasthan. Previously housed within the Madhavendra Palace at Nahargarh Fort, this year’s edition transitions to the iconic Jaigarh Fort, specifically the Vijay Garhi structure at the sprawling complex's entrance.

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This year’s edition represents a significant evolution in The Sculpture Park's journey, marking its expansion as an extension of the Jaipur Center for Art (JCA) and its contemporary art initiatives. Situated amidst the regal grandeur of The City Palace, JCA recently opened its doors on November 23rd, 2024, as a public exhibition space committed to celebrating creativity and fostering global artistic exchange.

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Participating Artists:

 

Afra Al Dhaheri, Ashiesh Shah, Latika Katt, L.N. Tallur, Mahbubur Rahman, Navin Thomas, Parag Tandel, Payal Jain, Prashant Pandey, Ray Meeker, Shibu Natesan, Subodh Gupta, Tapas Biswas, TV Santhosh, Vishal Dar, Wolf. Curator: Peter Nagy.

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The following galleries have provided support to have the artists they represent participate in the exhibition: Green Art Gallery, Dubai; Nature Morte, New Delhi; The Guild, Alibagh; Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata; TARQ, Mumbai; Blueprint.12, New Delhi; Round Them Oranges, Jaipur; Gallery Maskara, Mumbai.

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This edition of The Sculpture Park will remain open until October 15, 2025.

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Under the aegis of the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust, the new venue stands in contrast to Madhavendra Palace. While ancient, it offers a minimalist, austere aesthetic, with stark spaces that lend themselves to a fresh interpretation of artistic display. Believed to have been a jail and later an ammunition storehouse, the building has remained unused for over 120 years, now reimagined as a vibrant space for cultural engagement.

 

Jaigarh Fort, steeped in nearly a thousand years of history, provides a majestic backdrop for this year’s Sculpture Park. Traditionally dated to the reign of Kakil Dev in 1037, the fort’s origins likely rest upon even older foundations. Constructed as a defensive stronghold, its massive walls, towering battlements, and watchtowers embody its formidable character. Positioned atop the Aravalli hills, Jaigarh was designed to protect the Palace and settlement of Amber below while offering a commanding view of the terrain and safeguarding against external threats.

 

As the last redoubt of the Kachhawahas well into the twentieth century, Jaigarh Fort stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s regal heritage. Its preservation and management are entrusted to the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust, established in 1982 by the Late His Highness Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh, MVC. The Trust is dedicated to maintaining the fort’s architectural splendor and historical significance, opening its gates to the public as a living monument to Rajasthan’s illustrious past.

 

TheSculpturePark at Jaigarh Fort continues its tradition of presenting a theme-free exhibition, allowing for a diverse and dynamic showcase of contemporary sculpture. This edition highlights a broad spectrum of ideas, materials, techniques, and approaches that define modern three-dimensional art. Visitors can explore sculptures crafted from a variety of materials, including bronze, stainless steel, plastic, ceramics, stone, fibers, and wood. By juxtaposing the works of diverse artists, the exhibition fosters meaningful dialogue and invites reflection on a multitude of themes, celebrating the richness and versatility of contemporary sculpture.

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Speaking on this new chapter, His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur said, “The Sculpture Park at Jaigarh Fort, newly renovated and opened to the public for the very first time as part of the Jaipur Center for Art, seamlessly unites past and present. It offers a space where contemporary art can flourish against the backdrop of Jaipur’s illustrious heritage. This endeavor reaffirms our commitment to positioning the city as a vital force in the global art landscape.

 

Co-founder Noelle Kadar added, “Our goal is to create a meaningful connection between Jaipur and the world of contemporary art. The Sculpture Park beautifully complements JCA’s ethos of fostering creativity and cross-cultural dialogue.”

 

The Sculpture Park is supported by INOX and Borosil.
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