A Century of Artistry: Garge Studio’s Milestone Show

Garge Art Studio, Nashik celebrates centenarian year through a stunning show of sculptures and paintings at Jehangir Art Gallery.

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Celebrating a remarkable journey spanning a century, Garge Art Studio has unfolded its legacy at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai through an exhibition that transcends time. The showcase, spanning three generations – Artist Gajanan Garge, his son sculptor Madan Garge, daughter in law painter and sculptor Aruna Garge, and grandson sculptor Shreyas Garge – unveils a captivating tableau of lifelike sculptures, paying homage to India’s eminent personalities.

The exhibition, a visual odyssey through the evolution of Garge Studio from 1923 to 2023, delves into the lives of iconic figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule, Shivaji Maharaj, and other social reformists. Each sculpture stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and profound understanding of the personalities portrayed.

A Legacy Carved in Stone: Garge Studio’s Artistic Journey

Founded in the 1930s by the visionary Gajanan Narayan Garge, the Garge Art Studio has been a bastion of creativity in Nashik, Maharashtra. Initially recognized for its diverse artistic endeavors, including intricate idols, photography, and taxidermy, the studio evolved into a symbol of artistic expression.

G N Garge’s association with the nationalist movement added depth to his work, subtly conveying messages against the British rule through Ganesh Festival dioramas. The torch then passed to his son Madan Garge, a gold medalist from Sir J J School of Art, and his wife, painter Aruna Garge, who injected a fresh perspective into monumental sculptures.

Innovative Narratives in Stone: From LA’s Riverside to Pune’s Cultural Intersection

Madan Garge’s innovative approach went beyond capturing physical likeness; he infused life stories and philosophies into his creations. The studio gained international recognition with installations like the towering representation of Gandhiji in LA, symbolizing human values, and the Bhakti Shakti Project in Pune, depicting the cultural fusion of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saint Tukaram—blending warriors and devotees.

As the Garge Art Studio seamlessly blended professional and educational activities, the third generation, led by Shreyas Garge under the guidance of his mother Aruna Garge, continues the family’s commitment to art. The studio stands as a beacon of creativity, embodying not just a family’s legacy but also the enduring spirit of Indian culture through contemporary art. Shreyas Garge, a proud alumni of Sir J J School of Art continues his quest for deeper understanding of art through his studies in visual art and artistic expression.

Garge Studio’s centennial exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery not only pays homage to the past but also sets the stage for a promising artistic future, affirming that the Garge legacy continues to contribute to India’s cultural richness in sculpted form.

The exhibition continues at Jehangir Art Gallery till Monday, 1^st January 2024.