Her concern for the planet and her love of wildlife inspires sculptor Khursheed Nariman to use recycled material in her works. "From the paper used for my initial sketches to the metal, clay, plaster, wax and objects used in installations, everything is either being reused or recycled,” notes the Delhi based artist. "At every stage of my creative process I strive to work with sustainable practices. Now, in our recognition and appreciation of it lies our best hope for the future.”
After a showing of her works at Delhi’s India Habitat Centre in December 2022, Nariman’s bronzes will be on show at Bombay’s Jehangir Art Gallery between February 14 and 20, 2023. Called "Interconnected,” this is the sculptor’s ("my artist name is K. R. Nariman”) first solo travelling show, she stated. The works have evolved from Nariman’s "deep ecological concerns and her recognition of the interconnection between all life — human, animal or plant.” The artworks range from small sculptures to large installations, including some multimedia explorations, mentioned the note for the forthcoming exhibition.
The artist believes that the wellbeing of human society is inextricably connected to how we treat other life on this planet. "Increasing awareness about these matters is a crucial factor in bringing about change in the way people think and behave. It is the first step towards any meaningful transformation and the main reason I make these artworks.” A human being cannot aspire to a peaceful and happy existence without mutually nourishing relationships with other humans and the natural world around, she believes. "The best way for a person and for society to flourish lies in mutual cooperation and caring for those who share the planet with us.”
Khursheed Nariman (extreme r) with, from l, Dr Sanaya, Rohinton and Fali Nariman and others; the artist’s works
Nariman’s Markhor, for instance, is about the endangered wild goat with spiral horns of which only a few thousand are left in Asia. Her Mountain Goat was inspired by a lone mountain goat she saw on a hillside in Abu. "It was an inspiring sight, evoking the idea that through resolve we can achieve great heights. Only when animals are left undisturbed in their natural habitat do they flourish,” she stated. Admitting that "love for animals is an integral aspect of my life,” Nariman shared that "I have great affection even for this vain and cocky rooster” depicted in Narcissist.
So why does she prefer bronze as a medium? "The possibilities with bronze and what you can create with it are endless! This bright orange substance, which melt(s) at 1000˚ C, looking like molten lava, eventually harden(s) into any shape and form that I could conceive… Its malleability as well as its strength, its heaviness and yet the deceptive effect of lightness it could produce, made it a really exciting medium for a young sculptor.”
Nariman earned her master of fine arts degree from the University of the Arts, London. Her work has been exhibited at the India Art Fair (2022) and at showings in Milan, Paris and London, apart from group shows in London, Madrid and Delhi. She has received the Special Award 2019 for sculpture from the Delhi Minorities Commission, states her curriculum vitae. Nariman is the daughter of retired Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Nariman and Dr Sanaya and granddaughter of renowned jurist Fali Nariman and late Bapsi.