Between the sky and earth, 2013 -14 (detail)
Teakwood (in 6 parts)
Continuing her innovative approach to material and engagement with nature, Ranjani Shettar’s recent body of multi-component sculptures pares antique rosewood, walnut and teak in unexpected and pliable forms. Uninhibited by their materiality, the works carved in solid wood are imbued with a certain poise and lightness. These unique forms, evocative yet elusive, collaborate with each wood’s distinctive grain, knots and fissures, at times guiding its lines and movement. Occasionally there would appear chisel marks or unpolished surfaces, as traces deliberately left by the artist to provide a gentle peek at her process. Appearing malleable as if molded by hand, these wooden sculptures stretch and bend across walls, curve and twist on the ground, while others gliding like the wings of a bird – float weightlessly in space. Enigmatic and unbound, the environment Shettar creates with her installations is immersive and vibrant, surprising the viewer with their simplicity while enchanting with their magic.
Alapadma, 2013- 14
Teakwood & Lacquered wood (in 5 parts)
176” x 71” x 12” (overall dimensions)
Ranjani Shettar’s works have been the subject of several museum exhibitions including solo presentations at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (The MET) (2018), The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC (2019), The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) (2009); National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia (2011); The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston, MA (2008); The Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth, TX (2008-9) and Hermes Fondation, Singapore (2011). Ranjani’s works have also been featured in exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), NY (2010); Kiran Nadar Museum, New Delhi (2011, 2012, 2013), 5th Moscow Biennale (2013); 10th Liverpool Biennial, UK (2010); 55th Carnegie International, Carnegie Museum of Art, PA (2008); 9th Lyon Biennial, France (2007); 8th Sharjah Biennial (2007); 15th Sydney Biennale, Australia (2006); Art Tower Mito, Japan, Artpace, Texas (2006); Marian Goodman Gallery (2006), Cartier Fondation, Paris (2005); Sainsbury Center, UK (2005), Wexner Center, OH (2005), The Walker Art Center, MN (2003), Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Torino, Italy (2003) and Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, TX (2003).
