Suchit Sahni’s latest venture into sculpture is a significant departure from his earlier practice, yet it feels like a natural extension of his artistic journey. Known for his vibrant paintings of automobiles and urban narratives, Sahni now translates his fascination with movement, energy, and nostalgia into the realm of three-dimensional art. This new series of sculptures is crafted using stainless steel, fiber, and various metals, embodying fluid and playful lines that mirror the sense of dynamism captured in his paintings. These sculptures, while continuing to celebrate colour and sleek finishes, bring with them the tactile immediacy and immersive presence that only sculptural forms can provide.

From Paint to Form: A New Dimension of Expression

The use of colorful metal finishes in these sculptures reflects Sahni’s desire to extend his painterly vocabulary into new territory. His mastery of vibrant hues—previously confined to two-dimensional surfaces—now interacts with the materiality and form of sculpture, providing the audience with not just visual impact but also the possibility of touch and interaction. The shift to sculpture allows Sahni to explore the third dimension, where form, depth, and texture enhance the emotional and aesthetic experience of his work. These qualities make the objects feel alive, as if they are in constant motion, much like the urban scenes they depict.

A Nostalgic Dialogue: Growing Up with Motion

Sahni’s fascination with automobiles is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences. Growing up amidst the changing landscapes of Delhi, the buzz of bicycles, rickshaws, and motorcycles left an indelible mark on his imagination. His early sketches and observations, now transformed into vibrant sculptures, serve as a bridge between personal memory and public nostalgia. The use of metal—often associated with machines—symbolizes both the durability of these memories and the resilience of urban life.

The sculptures not only reflect Sahni’s lifelong love for motion and speed but also celebrate his longing to capture fleeting moments. Each sculpture feels like a snapshot of movement frozen in time, evoking the same thrill he experienced as a child while observing the rhythmic energy of the streets. This connection to childhood is essential, as it allows the sculptures to transcend mere depictions of vehicles and become metaphors for personal growth, discovery, and change.

Urban Life: Then and Now

The contrast between Delhi’s past and present urban life is central to Sahni’s new series. His works evoke memories of a city that was once more intimate, where human interactions were at the heart of urban life. Automobiles like rickshaws and scooters symbolized shared experiences, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of people. Today, urban life has become faster and more fragmented, marked by private cars, congested highways, and digital distractions. The shift from communal modes of transportation to individual journeys mirrors a broader societal change—where community and connection are often sacrificed for convenience and speed.

By recreating these vehicles in sculptural form, Sahni invites viewers to reflect on how urban life has evolved and to reconnect with the memories of a time when movement was not just physical but emotional and social. His sculptures capture this tension between the nostalgic past and the accelerated present, making them poignant reminders of what has been lost and what remains.

The Importance of Sculpting Urban Narratives

Sculpture, by its very nature, engages space in ways that paintings cannot. Sahni’s decision to transition to three-dimensional forms allows him to fully express his artistic vision. The viewer’s ability to move around the sculptures, engage with them from multiple angles, and feel their material presence adds a new level of meaning. These pieces are to be experienced, much like the streets and vehicles that inspired them.

In a world that is increasingly defined by disposable digital images, Sahni’s sculptures remind us of the importance of physical presence and sensory engagement. His works encourage us to pause, to reflect on the journeys we take—both literal and metaphorical—and to find beauty in the interplay of motion, memory, and form.

Conclusion

Suchit Sahni’s new sculptural series marks a bold and exciting evolution in his artistic practice. By translating the themes of movement, nostalgia, and urban energy into sculptural objects, he offers viewers a richer and more immersive experience. These sculptures celebrate the aesthetics of automobiles, acting as cultural artifacts, preserving memories of a time when life was simpler, and movement was a shared experience. In doing so, Sahni’s work becomes a tribute to the power of art to connect the past with the present, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of journeys—both personal and collective.