KS Radhakrishnan is the inspiration behind my journey as an artist. I affectionately refer to him as Radha Sir, and he graciously imparted to me the practical knowledge essential for this profession. Those acquainted with his artistic endeavours are aware of the two iconic figurines he crafted years ago, Musui and Maiya, which he describes as his alter egos.

His medium of choice is bronze, a metal known for its substantial weight. However, the whimsical nature of Musui and Maiya conveys a sense of lightness. Their soaring forms appear to be captured in a moment of striving for a higher state of awareness. To me, they symbolize an individual's capacity to overcome any challenges encountered throughout their life.

Radha Sir’s sculptures possess an ethereal quality, appearing almost weightless. Frequently, multiple figures are arranged atop a single slender point, creating a striking visual effect. Although they are crafted from the same mould, each figure exhibits unique characteristics and seems to occupy its own space in bold poses. They challenge the laws of gravity, soaring and moving in a rhythm of their own.

Employing the traditional lost-wax casting method, he infuses his creations with a contemporary sensibility that resonates with a wide audience. One piece that particularly resonates with me is a bronze sculpture titled The Heap, which he conceived in response to the turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic. This work features five of his lively Musui and Maiya figures stacked in various stages of motion. During the height of the pandemic, the tragic sight of deceased individuals piled in a similar manner was all too common. This poignant reality is powerfully reflected in his sculpture, where the figures, in death, lose their individuality. Their outstretched limbs evoke a final, desperate call for assistance.

Upon my initial encounter with The Heap at the India Art Fair in 2022, the world was beginning to recover from the harrowing impact of the pandemic's second wave. The sculpture resembled a captivating jigsaw puzzle, and its imagery resonated deeply with me. The stark black hue, combined with the amalgamation of human faces, hands, feet, and bodies, suggested a wealth of insights to be derived. Each figure, lacking any distinctive individual traits, conveyed a significant lesson imparted by the pandemic: in death, individuality and uniqueness of the human form are rendered irrelevant. We are ultimately reduced to mere bodies.

Despite the multitude of artworks on display at the India Art Fair, I found myself repeatedly drawn back to this piece. The intricate nature of this work has led to frequent contemplation on my part. Radha Sir’s remarkable ability to imbue her sculptures with such depth and personal expression is truly inspiring. The theme of profound human connections is a recurring motif in my own artistic endeavours. Thus, while the sculpture addresses a weighty subject, it simultaneously underscores the essential nature of humanity and the importance of caring for one another.

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