Nagji Patel (1937-2017)
Born in Gujarat to a family of farmers, Patel's early years were spent crafting clay toys alongside other village children, sparking a lifelong passion for sculpture. Initially enrolling in the painting course at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University in Baroda, he soon shifted to sculpture, finding it a more intuitive medium. He earned his M.F.A. in sculpture in 1964, the same year he received a travelling scholarship from the Government of India. This opportunity allowed him to visit quarries across the country, where he engaged with stone carvers, deepening his understanding of the material and its possibilities.
Patel's sculptures are distinguished by a unique interplay of polished and rough stone surfaces, a technique inspired by the historical sculptures of Badami and Mahabalipuram. In these ancient works, centuries of human touch have polished certain areas, while others remain in their natural state. Patel adopted this approach in his own work, creating pieces that invite both visual and tactile exploration. He was particularly drawn to carving, enjoying the sensuous qualities of marble, the warmth of sandstone, and the textured surfaces of granite and wood. This sensibility also extended to his drawings and mixed-media works, informed by his three-dimensional forms.
Throughout his career, Patel received numerous accolades, including the Gujarat State Award (1962-64), the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award (1976), the Gaurav Puraskar (1997), and the Aditya Vikram Birla Kala Shikhar Puraskar (2011). His sculptures are installed in prominent locations worldwide, including Seoul Olympic Park in Korea, Arandjelovac in Serbia, the Noguchi Museum in Japan, and various sites in Baroda, where he built his career.
After nearly two decades, Nagji Patel’s works are once again brought to the public through the exhibition ‘Still, They Speak’ by Akar Prakar.
Patel passed away on December 17, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to resonate globally.
Exhibition:
Nagji Patel | Abacus 1 | Stone | 8.5 x 14 x 5.5 in
Nagji Patel | Abacus 3 | Stone | 27.25 x 27 x 5.5 in
Nagji Patel | Abacus 2 | Marble | 16.25 x 8.6 x 8.25 in