K.S. Radhakrishnan (b. 1956)

Acquired directly from the artist

Good overall condition. Brakes to wheel spokes and rickshaw cover inherent to work. Please contact the department directly for detailed images. A copy of the authentication certificate for this work is available.
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K.S. Radhakrishnan's father was an actor and he often mentions the influence of his father's profession on his art. Aspects of dance and performance imbue Radhakrishnan's sculptures, giving them a lyrical and sensuous quality. Utilizing traditional techniques and methods but infusing them with modern aesthetics, these corporeal works are unlike that of any other artist practicing today.

Although the majority of his sculptures are produced using bronze, Radhakrishnan has been known to experiment with plaster of Paris and beeswax. He has commented, “For me bronze works best because it is strong, and brings out the character of my sculptures. Although it takes time, the process also becomes a part of my art form.” (P. Chaturvedi, Radhakrishnan | Sculptor of the mind, LiveMint, 4 April 2013, http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/9vHjNZDcVIMRAvtDgACELM/KS-Radhakrishnan--Sculptor-of-the-mind.html)

Another interesting element of his practice is the use of his dynamic alter egos, Musui and the female equivalent Maiya. Although they do not appear in one single form, they serve as symbols of light and joy and the human brain’s capacity to transform and imagine oneself in multiple ways. This process began in 1970 when a young Radhakrishnan met a Santhal boy named Musui whose peaceful expression and happiness affected the artist and caused him to ask the boy to be his model. He continued to impart that feeling of inner joy and satisfaction on the faces of his subjects and has turned Musui into his lifelong muse. This is apparent in Song of the road. The man pulling the rickshaw and the female passenger feature expressions of rapture that impact the viewer in a striking and compelling way. Their arms are thrown out in wild but graceful abandon and the rickshaw puller’s feet are stretched with his toes pointed downward as if he were ballet dancing. This carefree, joyous and dancelike movement is one of the main and best features of Radhakrishnan’s oeuvre. Another noteworthy aspect is the remarkable level of detail and attention he has given to the sculpture. From the generic design behind the rickshaw seat to the snap in the spokes of the wheel (commonly seen in traditional rickshaws that are not built from expensive and sturdy materials), Radhakrishnan has given his work a compelling amount of reality. This idea, that one can be a rickshaw puller and be so happy, is what makes his sculptures so appealing.

Radhakrishnan was born in 1956 in Kottayam, Kerala.  After graduating with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in sculpture from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan he continued to reside there for another 7 years, working closely with Prof. Sarbari Roy Chowdhary and Ramkinkar Baij. Considered to be an innovative and modernist sculptor, ‘Radha’ as he is popularly known has efficaciously created a newfound interest in sculpture. He has won several awards including the National Scholarship, LKA Fellowship and Birla Academy of Art & Culture Award and his work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Paris and the United States.