“My art is about inclusivity. It is about involving all stakeholders of society – from Presidents, Heads of States, experts in art and culture, intelligentsia, to the masses, to the public at large, common people, daily wage labourers.
I see art as a great leveller.
It is a blessing to have been able to reach out across all cross sections of society and create ‘dialogues at the waterfront’ that evoke responses to my art, the thought behind it and the vision, from everyone, irrespective of whichever rungs of society they may belong.
More often than not, the exchange of thoughts with thinkers, evolved humanitarians, people with vision, students and the masses has enriched my art and embellished it.
The essence of it all is the distilling residue that is celebrated and carried, both by the viewer and the artist.” – Manav Gupta
What People are Saying:
Hon'ble President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam'
Hon’ble President of India, Republic of India
Excerpt (from Speech: Inaugural Address, Centenary Celebrations, NGMA, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi)
“… I never thought that a poem could be given life, beauty and creativity as I visualised. That is the time when Manav came and stayed with me with his family for a week and created beautiful canvases bubbling with life. When Manav came across my poem “Life Tree” he took seven days … to transform “Life Tree” into a speaking tree. What a beautiful creation! First time I realized painting and poem intertwined with the imagination of a painter, leads to the birth of a new creation…”
His Majesty the King of Bhutan
Druk Gyalpo of the Kingdom of Bhutan (His Majesty, the King of Bhutan)
Excerpt (on the occasion of the Indo Bhutan mural being commissioned by the Ministry of External affairs through ICCR for the BIFA Museum):
“It is wonderful to see the 20ft high canvases depicting the Indo Bhutan friendship. They shall always be cherished. The Queen’s Portrait, her throne, and the story that you have so beautifully woven are fantastic.” – His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan.
“Thank you for this masterpiece.” Her Majesty, the Queen of Bhutan.
His Highness Shihab bin Tariq al-Said
Royal Family, Oman | Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs.
Excerpt (from Gupta's solo exhibition at the Oman Fine Art's Society):
I was very delighted to have had this moment to view Manav Gupta’s work at the Oman Fine Art society exhibition. This is great work of a famous Artist from India which for us Omanis is an addition to our cultural knowledge. I wish Manav a successful tour of Oman and we look forward to seeing more of his very fine work.
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Dr. I. K. Gujral
Hon'ble (former) Prime Minister of India, Republic of India
Manav, my good wishes, Keep it up!
Excerpt (on the occasion of Gupta’s solo exhibition at the Park hotel in 2003; for his movement on environment consciousness, climate change and sustainable development – ‘plant a sapling on my canvas’):
Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism, Govt of India
It’s Marvellous! How Manav ji has depicted the Ganga!
Jal Shakti Ministry, Govt of India
Dr Mahesh Sharma
Former Minister, I/C, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India
Vision and passion of Manav ji is beyond imagination. Bringing Nature and creation of a common man ‘ Kumhaar’ who shapes the sand to Diya is chillam to an exclusive presentation with the theme and with this a New Concept. Need to showcase this talent to every corner of World.
Prof Lokesh Chandra
Scholar, MP, Former President ICCR.
The exhibition of Mr Manav Gupta being held in the illustrious precincts of IGNCA is stunning in its conception and configuration. His multiple representations of the coming into being of life and its final mergence into “shunyata”, the shimmer of rain drops in the thirst of air, the honeycombs in the sweetness of heaven, or the descent of the sacred Ganga running across shards and stones in her majestic flow, reflect the horizons of the mind of Manav, so aptly named by his parents.
Exhibition: arth – art for earth | 2018 | IGNCA, Ministry of Culture, 11 Mansingh Road, New Delhi 110001
Dr Yogendra Narain
Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha. Former Defence Secretary of India. Former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.
Manav’s thoughts reflect in his works. They depict deep philosophical emotions and they touch a chord with nature and life. The purity of the environment is as essential as the purity of the soul within. The silence of his works have one’s mind and thoughts in that direction. It is for us to understand his message. We have to love the earth. Congratulations Manav for a work well done!
Sh. Amitabh Kant
CEO, Niti Ayog, Govt of India
“Excavations in Hymns of Clay is spiritually invigorating, culturally rejuvenating & mentally elevating. Its a brilliant exhibition by our outstanding artist of immense creativity! The exhibition brings alive India’s civilization. My congratulations to Manav. Its been a wonderful experience viewing the exhibition.”
Max Rodenbeck
South Asia Bureau Chief, The Economist
What a spectacular monsoon of talent! Manav congratulations for an intoxicating display.
Vandana Shiva
Scholar, Environmental activist.
We are Earth, We are soil, We are water- You make this realization come alive in your art, Manav- Thank you for this amazing installation. And I hope you can weave a thread of consciousness across the world that we are part of nature, or we paddle Noah’s boat.
Smt Uma Bharti
Minister of State, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Govt of India
The artist has beautifully drawn attention to one of the most important resources and topics like water, climate change and sustainable development with his first of a kind deployment of using our quintessential Indian potter’s produce and sustainable materials
H.E. Richard Verma
United States Ambassador to India
Congratulations on a wonderful and inspiring work of art that takes into account nature, the human spirit and the best of India-so beautiful! Rich Verma and Dylan Verma
Sir Dominic Anthony Gerard Asquith
British Ambassador to India
What a privilege to see the installations- which have the effect of stirring the imagination for leaving you feel so peaceful.
H.E Nader Patel
Canadian Ambassador to India
Manav, Thank you for such a warm welcome to your studio. Your creativity and talent is inspiring and we are truly impressed by your vision and expansive depth of presence. We look forward to exploring collaboration in or with Canada. All the best and warmest wishes for your ongoing success!
H.E. Jose Ramón Barañano Fernández
Spanish Ambassador to India
We have just fallen in love with the clay rain!! It is peaceful and meaningful. It holds the tradition of India and at the same time it is full of creativity. A modern piece of art in the land of heritage so rich… It couldn’t be more awesome. Congratulations dear Manav! Warmest Regards
Savina Amassari
United Nations Resident Coordinator
Amazing art, in an amazing place by an amazing artist in Delhi – Manav Gupta. His formidable installations with over 500 thousand terracotta chillums and many more traditional light holders are wonderful. A real champion of environmental preservation and sustainable development whose work would be great to see anywhere around the globe. Thank you Manav for having us over in your atelier tonight!
Read Full on Facebook
H.E. Mariela Cruz Alvarez
Costa Rican Ambassador to India
Breathtaking overwhelmed by Bliss.
Water – Forests
Jungle – Love
Rain – Spirit
Thank you Manav!
Beautiful beautiful work of art and highly evocative
H. E. Dominique Girard
Former French Ambassador to India
It was indeed a treat to see the transformative power of your painting. How you capture music on the canvas and bring it alive.
H. E. Richard Celeste
Former Ambassador to India, United States of America
Exquisite work! We are huge fans. It was such a pleasure to display your works at the Roosevelt House.
Lord Meghnad Desai
British Economist and former Labour Politician, United Kingdom
Water and clay are the two eternal constants of life. We are in the danger of running out of water unless we preserve it. Let us hope Manav Gupta is successful in reminding us of our responsibility to respect water and earth.
B. K. Birla & Sarala Birla
Philanthropist, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Group
“A very interesting exhibition and works by a young artist” – First Solo Exhibition, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata, 1996
Kumar Managalam Birla
Philanthropist, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group
Loved the interpretation of the journey into a painting. And the poem.
Sunil Bharti Mittal
Philanthropist, Founder and Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises
We are delighted to have this masterpiece at the Airtel Campus and we shall cherish it always. Thank you so much for devoting your time in transforming this space.
Naveen Jindal & Shallu Jindal
Philanthropist, Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power
Beautifully evocative & powerful work as always.
Kiran Nadar
Founder, Kiran Nadar Museum of Modern Art
Enjoyed the cascade of diyas and the waterfall & serenity of the installation. Very well thought out & crafted.
Nailesh Khimji
Philanthropist, Director of Khimji Ramdas
Absolutely Beautiful Work! Specially loved the link with nature and humans. The birds are my favourite! Wish you all the best for the Exhibition and all future endeavours!
Hari & Kavita Bhartia
Hari Bhartia - Founder and Co Chairman - Jubiliant Group, Kavita Bhartia - Founder, OGAAN
Well done Manav. Beautifully executed, amazing installations. Wish you great success in your endevours.
Suresh Virmani
Managing Director, Bahwan Engineering, Oman
Brilliant creativity. Have never seen such a unique concept earlier.
Rajan Bharti Mittal
Vice Chairman, Managing Director, Bharti
Brilliantly done Manav, I dont think any other artist could’ve done this.
Dr Pheroza Godrej
Chairperson, Godrej Archives Council; Art-historian, Environmentalist, Writer
Very thoughtfully conceived, the works reflect the courage of
conviction and vision.
Kamal Meattle
Indian Environmental activist and CEO of Paharpur Business Centre
Very evocative – a wonderful message. The Ganga may disappear by now 2305 if we go on with business as usual – Climate change! Well done.
K V Kamath
Philanthropist, Chairman, Jio Financial Services, former Chairman, ICICI Bank
Thank you for creating this unique painting. Loved it!
Manya Patil Seth
Film Producer
Wonderful works as always! Manav Congratulations!
Sushma Paul Berlia
Industrialist and Educationist, Apeejay Schools
It’s wonderful to see your exceptional creativity over the years. With deep gratitude I cherish the presence of artists like yourself.
Dinesh Dhamija
Founder, Ebookers, For Member of European Parliament for the London Region
Excavations in hymns of clay – an amazing concept. Indian art that needs to go global. Saw the art at night…. Lighting makes the whole concept, come alive.
Dr Atul K Chauhan
CEO, RBEF, Amity Foundation
Manav ji is one of the most innovative and creative artists of the world. Our country is proud to have such great ambassadors like him.
Nayana Guradia
Art Collector and Philanthropist
Fresh and vibrant works from an extremely talented artist
Ashish Saraf
Philanthropist and Diplomat - Consul of Bahamas & Maldives in India
It was a wonderful experience in viewing the thought provoking and original works created out of potteries by Manav. Manav – your creation is to be viewed by the people of India and the lovers of Art appreciated by the Diplomatic core of India. I wish you immense success and hope you scale great heights. God Bless & All the Best!
Dr Kusum Ansal
Poet, Writer
Aaj wo painting mere ghar pe hay or jo bhi koi dekhta hay wo bohot aschariye karta hay ki kavita compliment karti hay painting ko ya painting compliment karti hay kavita ko.
Abdul Razak Ali Issa
CEO, Bank Muscat
On behalf of Bank Muscat I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Manav Gupta to Oman & Bank Muscat is very proud to be associated with such a talented artist. We wish him every success.
Dr Raj Kubba
Founder and Director of Delhi Dermatology Group
Monumental (Squared ^2)
Sandy Angus
Chairman, Angus Montgomery Arts | Owner, India Art Fair
I loved the use of clay to represent a disposable resource and different relationship to the elements. The outside sculpture has a real sense of the flow of life and elements and how they hold together. Also the ‘dust to dust’ aspect of the medium.
Ritu Kumar
Fashion Designer and Philanthropist
How wonderfully organic & innovative! Missed you by a whiska! Congratulations!!
Rosemarie Barrientos
Art Collector
It’s amazing, it seems like he puts his spirit in the painting, his soul goes, you know, completely in it.
Keshav Malik
Art Critic, Poet, Curator, Scholar
Manav’s art, facing both forwards and inwards, is a contemplation of spiritual and the natural communion.His images act as a vehicle of a visionary world that is itself the instrument of self-transcendence. The maturation is palpable.
Dr B. N. Goswamy
Indian Art Critic and Historian
“Brilliant. Moving.”
Jay Coogan
President, Minneapolis College of Art and Design
I want to point out the deep spiritual and life-affirming place his work emanates from. He is interested in the sacred, but not from a religious point of view. Rather, he thinks about the flow of water, the meaning of light, and the sacredness of people and how they merge together.
Jack Becker
Founder Emeritus of Forecast Public Art
I am drawn to the works of Manav Gupta’s public art projects from last ten twelve years particularly… projects like Rain. They have an immersive quality to them, a sense of environment you can explore and wonder and ravel, in a sort of a man-made natural botanic garden, and it is all through his ability to recognise the value of having quantities of these earthern forms filling the space and lighting dramatically in the evenings. And augmented by the Beehive Gardens, which are these wonderful metaphors using chilam clay pipes.
Dr Kavita Singh
Hon. Fellow, American Academy of Arts & Sciences | Art Historian & Professor
“It is a great pleasure to see the range of Manav’s works. The way day turns into landscape, water, God’s body — moving from one level to another — is agility of thought and material indeed.”
Neo Malao
Director, Ditsong Museums of South Africa
Dear Manav, It is such a pleasure to host your exhibition… The popularity it has gained and its relevance given the environmental issues globally has made the two parties, the museum and the High Commission of India, to suggest an extension of the show until 31 March 2013. An exhibition comes from India, and it is perceived as a prelude towards the culmination of India’s history and contribution that will be charged at the BRICS in Durban, South Africa.
Dr. Saryu Doshi
Scholar and Art Historian
Powerful and innovative. Many years ago, I had seen Manav’s work’s at Ministry of Culture in ’99 and his use of light and colour particularly impressed me. It’s lovely to see his evolution and public art installations.
Warren Holden
Editor, Classic Feel Magazine, South Africa
Manav Gupta is an artist quickly growing in international renown and his works are recognised by collectors as excellent investments both for artistic and economic reasons. But, contrary to the misconceptions propagated by popular culture, the achievement of fame and recognition does not signify a destination. For Gupta., the effort to expand consciousness and create awareness, and most importantly, the quest for light, continues.
Md. Tahmid Zami
Thomson Reuters Foundation
You are one of the most recognised artists coming from South Asia, particularly Bengal, with a rich body of work and very prolific engagement on climate and ecological work with your climate art coined as ‘arth – art for earth’ as early as 1996 when the climate issue was not very prominent in public discourse. Thus, your work has been instrumental in frontstaging the issue in public consciousness. More and more artists are now engaging in climate art.
Ashok Vajpayee
Former Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, (National Academy of Arts), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India
Very innovative, imaginative, and delightful.
Aruna Bhownik
Art Critic, The Statesman
Breathtaking… spectacular installation. Contemporary in its very making… The monumentality of Manav Gupta’s ‘Ganga Waterfront’ from the series ‘Excavations In Hymns Of Clay’ comes as a recollection of the beginnings of history none of which would have come into being without the river.
Patricia Groves
Cultural Theologist, Oman
Manav does not give maddening answers like the painting is what the viewer sees in it. Instead he is eager to share his vision, to enfold those who come, in the coordinates of his dreams. There is a web-like, diaphanous quality to Manav Gupta’s watercolors; ephemeral shapes are caught in shafts of colored light.
Diane de Beer
Art Critic, South Africa
It is the use of Indian philosophy and spirituality that centres rather than dominates the work. The approach is contemporary. Light, and thus hope, is what drives his work in a metaphorical and practical sense.
“A Kaleidoscope of Creativity… Scale doesn’t scare him…”
Read Full Article.
Jen Dolen
Author, Forecast Public Art
The visual impact of his work always clearly has Manav’s touch. He has a very specific style that’s really lovely. He has emphasis on local crafts, sustainable practices, has a sensibility that embraces the architecture and literally physically embraces the site and the space in a beautiful way in this kind of flowing physical connection.
Manjit Bawa
Artist
The handling of colour in these landscapes and abstract expressions of Nature have a very lyrical and poetic quality.
Anjolie E Menon
Artist
As an artist I know how difficult it has been for Manav first to conceptualise this and then to make it happen. By looking at this particular installation, I feel all the feelings, that all of us Indians have for Ganga mata. Here there is a feeling of sacredness of the Ganga. It is really flowing… how wonderfully Manav has done this! And the one with the rain, you can really feel that it is raining there.. Its wonderful!
Jogen Chowdhury
Artist
Enjoyed seeing Manav Gupta’s installation works displayed in the garden. I like the ‘rain” most- which has created a very romantic ambience. Thanks Manav for inviting me to see your works at the sculpture garden. With best wishes. Jogen.
Paritosh Sen
Artist
I have had the opportunity watching his development as a painter over the past few years. From a very modest beginning he has been slowly and surely developing as a very promising artist.
Sakti Burman, Maite Delteil, Maya Burman
Artist
Ganga shiv er joutaar theke nemay aashche tomar aei installation ta dekhe shei kotha monay porche ja aami porechilam aamader school er boi e
Artists
Manasij Majumdar
Art Critic & Author
A work of power and imagination!
Shatrugan Sinha
Actor
Absolutely amazing, Manav is a very talented artist.
Shyam Benegal
Director, Screenwriter and Documentary Filmmaker.
Well it’s a exceptional work of art really because you know probably the greatest works of art do not require anything but imagination.In this case you actually … true because what you see is the earth in its many many many many different incarnations and shapes that Manav has created. Wonderful!
Pankaj Tripathi
Actor
Bohot Khubsurat, Manavji ko humaara sar-a-sar namaskaar.
Sharmila Tagore
Actor
Beautiful and powerful
Amol Palekar
Actor
Thank you for using public space so creatively and in undertones!
Shyamanand Jalan
Theatre Director, Actor
Thank you for using public space so creatively and in undertones!
Chandan Mitra
Managing Director, The Pioneer
Incredible Creativity! A fabulous tribute to the soul of India, Ma Ganga- the life source of India brought alive by Manav Gupta’s amazing imagination and interpretation.
Kingshuk Mukherji
Asst Executive Editor, Times of India
He is as close to nature as possible. All that he does comes from deep within. There’s nothing cosmetic about what he feels or what he does. Truly, for Manav’s quality isn’t just about a genius. It’s about how he feels and the shades of blue he seeks in the sky through his eyes. It’s about the grit and struggle of a man from humble circumstances. It’s about a man who hasn’t grown up breathing tinned air. It’s as easy as the flow of a deep river that meanders through a landscape and runs off to an unknown destination where it meets the horizon. Manav is a product of nature. Hence, his love for the trees. Manav is about perception. Hence, his fetish for eyes. Manav is Manav. Unique as ever.”
Sumit Awasthi
Editor & News Anchor, ABP News, NDTV, India Today
Got an opportunity to visit the
exhibition of a brilliant artist
Manav Gupta. He is the only one of his class!!
Kishore Singh
Art Critic, Business Standard
Gupta is a maverick, one of those artists who is also a performer … a la M F Husain. He’s created canvases around environmental concerns, been billed among India’s emerging artists by Financial Times. At Airtel Centre, viewed from across the courtyard (which is where the main action is and where the employees are housed), the effect of his mural is stunning. In the main, he has chosen to use the Tree of Life to depict the five elements, one on each floor, uniting them through images, motifs, elements and colours.
Sumati Mehrishi
Journalist, Swarajya Magazine
No other artist uses clay and pottery in public art like Manav Gupta. His works on nature and climate change are extensive, in harmony with themes and sites he chooses, and soul stirring.
Sushma Bahl
Art Critic and Curator, Former Head of Arts and Culture, British Council India
“Marked for its philosophical leaning towards the cosmic matrix, the artist plays with color to build a texture and create well composed imagery. The palette in terms of its choice, mixing and rendering is built progressively to achieve a refined harmony and tonal quality that emanates a subtle light that heightens the visual appeal. Exploring nuances of light and color in delicate strokes, his nature inspired paintings create a poetic nuance and serenity around his creations.”
Rita Dutta
Art Critic, Economic Times
It is within an established tradition that the romanticism of Manav Gupta is expressed. For the delicate watercolours he exhibited at the Taj Bengal, belong to a genre of nature scapes that exploit the lambent fluidity of the medium for a language that’s poetic. Exuberant and Reflective. “The artist has a fine sense of colour”
Read Full Article.
Seema Bhalla
Author & Art Critic, Indian Creative Minds Magazine
“The Shrinking River Ganga”, a 2012 installation, almost looked like a pond. In 2015, it took the form of Ganga cascading from the hair locks of Lord Shiva seated atop the Mount Kailash… To further clarify, the mention here is not of the real river Ganga, but that of the site-specific installation titled “Rain, the Ganga Waterfront along Time Machine”, which is a continuation of the series “Excavation in Hymns of Clay”.
Read Full Article
Shubhra Mazumdar
Art Critic and Curator, Azad Bhawan Gallery, ICCR, Govt of India
Mapping these concerns in the form of art, Manav Gupta expresses himself as a brilliant colourist, which makes his images flow in a lyrical harmony across the canvas. If one were to ‘scratch’ into its depths, it would reveal a ray of hope inculcated through the use of light peeping through the gloom, breaking out of the shackles of the surrounding and enveloping environmental degradation. They express a profound vocabulary of concerns that transcend beyond the physical.
Read Full Article
Ar. Deepika Gandhi
Director, Le Corbusier Centre
The reverence for nature that formed the basis of the works of both Nek Chand and Corbusier is evident in the works of Manav Gupta as well. It takes courage to break out of the mould of convention and forge your own path in a challenging environment but Manav Gupta has done it again and again whether through his art or his one minute movies on environmental issues. Adding the extra dimension of public engagement to make the masses a part of your journey of creativity is another path breaking endeavour.
Neeru Mishra
Art historian
The seeds of artistic talent start flowering at an early age. The divine gift finds manifestation with the stream of time, with indelible impressions as the journey moves on from one post to the other. Manav Gupta is one of the top ten contemporary artists of India, who has shared his natural gift of creativity with one and all for the benefit of one and all, and has pioneered a new dimension in the world of art. Many feel that several unexplored segments still await to be revealed by this genius.
Alka Thakur
Art Critic, First City
All his landscapes, portraits and abstracts even, are dreamy, fluid, almost honeyed. The use of colours is excellent, the paintings all interestingly titled, give definite direction to the spectators’ interpretation. Although far from radical, the work shows individuality.
Rotnoma Sengupta
Art Critic & Journalist
The beauty of the sunset and the melody of the birds-may it live on…beyond the evening
Anita Dua
Art Connoisseur
Absolutely divine creations! Holy Ganges right at our doorstep!!
Ana R Baranano
Art Connoisseur
These evocative terracotta pieces beautifully enhance the glory of the space.
Milee Aishwarya
Publisher, Penguin Random House India
Thank you for such a breathtaking evening!
Thibault Devanlay
Senior adviser to the Co-chairs | European Union
First contemporary art seen in New Delhi!
Vassilis Gorgoulis
Professor, University of Athens
Beautiful story of Mother Nature described in the way of waterfall and the Environment.
Saurabh Tankha
Former Editor, The Pioneer
Manav is truly one of the best among his ilk. I have been following him for more than a decade now and every time he has surprised me with his vision and thought.
Shalini Singh
Editor, Hi Blitz
Poonam Saxena
Editor, Hindustan Times Sunday Magazine
Extraordinarily beautiful! You can literally feel as if it’s a river -made with diyas & chillams! Wow!
Navneet Mendiratta
Art Critic, Author
Nature moves him. So much that he sways to tunes and attempts to capture and re create all that he clicks with the eyes of his mind.” For Manav Gupta his art is a contemplation of spiritual and the natural communion. Medium does not restrict him. So he plays with a wide range- from the conceptual to multimedia, installations to ambient spaces, the canvas to sculptures- as he puts it to fresh creative tasks.
Rajkumari Tankha
Co-Founder, Life & More Media
Neelima Agarwal
Editor in Chief, Luxury Chronicle
Manav! You’ve left me speechless. Rather your art. Read my report for more. Much success to you.
Manohar Banopadhyay
Author, Poet, Founder, Poetry Club of India
It is difficult to draw your eyes away from any work of Manav Gupta who moves you with his ecstatic shade and light so profoundly that you do not know what to admire and what to leave out from mention. there is nothing that calls for lesser attention. you certainly hold your breath in admiration of the artist’s emotion that exalts us all to ecstasy.
Shashi Sunny
Journalist, The Patriot
Manav serves his art as a beacon for global dialogue on environmental awareness. He effortlessly commands scale, working across miniature formats to vast acres of land
Hemani Bhandari
BLOUIN ARTINFO
Manav Gupta at his musing best…
Forever challenging his comfort zone even in the physical world, Gupta has created another work of art to marvel at. The most striking thing about the installation is the optical illusion that Gupta has succeeded in creating with the earthen lamps and hanging chillums. The architectural engagement of the pottery with the walls where it is placed transforms the regular venue into a riparian landscape.
Aarti Tiku
Ex-IANS, Times of India, Hindustan Times, United Nations, BBC
It feels like a sea, like a waterfall, like a thought, spreading out, branching out and enveloping the world, the life with human spirit and love.
Bill Rodgers
Managing Editor C File, United States
Manav Gupta is an artist whose installations, performances and mega-murals often lead him into topics such as ecosystems, climate change and sustainable development. Manav transforms the individual identity of ceramics into metaphors and idioms of sustainability, context, perception and treatment as he conceptualizes and creates large scale avant-garde installations…
Aaditi Isaac
Editor Correspondent, Times Group
Mohonna Banerjee
Art Critic, Nawras Magazine
A dynamic Indian artist who has successfully infused his works of art with a quiet evocative spirituality. Manav Gupta Is a force to be reckoned. A gentle, down-to-earth man with an engaging philosophical disposition. his natural creative zeal is the first thing that one notices about him.
Doreen Premdev
Art Critic and Senior Reporter, Sunday Times, South Africa
Artist Manav Gupta is a visionary who uses his works of art to get his message across that the dire state of the earth is in the hands of mankind…. Magnificent: Gupta’s breathtaking works of art were proudly displayed at the Museum, each painting exquisite and insightful… Guests were swept off their feet… it was indeed a brilliant exhibition.
Neeza Anuranjani
Journalist, The Daily Pioneer
An artist who looks beyond himself, Manav Gupta’s sensitivity is reflected in his latest works. For artist poet sculptor, Manav Gupta it’s been an arduous journey to reach the world of his vision How many artists can boast of a President planting a sapling…signing their works.
Ms Santosh Mehta
Journalist, Hindu, Deccan Herald, The Statesman
Gitanjali Aiyar
Anchor, Doordarshan
Very creative and exudes awareness about water and the environment
Nirav Joshi
Senior Reporter, ETV News
Very outstanding and inspiring creation. Om.
Ram Jethmalani
Former Law Minister of India
Manav Gupta and Pratibha Prahlad are the Navratna’s of the country.
Dr. L M Singhvi
Jurist, Parliamentarian, Scholar, Writer and Diplomat
Manav Gupta has the finesse of form and colour which flow through his exquisite painting, each one of which is a poem with a painting as its habitat. His colours have tranquil philosophical quality, his paintings spontaneously engage their viewers in an intimate conversation.
Dr Shashi Tharoor
Member of Lok Sabha, Public Intellectual, former Diplomat and Bureaucrat.
Highly immpresive use of potter’s artefacts to create this “clay cascade” – a waterfall and flowing river made up of everyday objects. Well done, Manav – and looking forward to more.
Dr Kapila Vatsayan
Leading Scholar in Art, Architecture and Art History
This is a remarkable work with
fresh originality of ideas, material
and vision.
Arun Goel
Former Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Raghvendra Singh
CEO, Development of Museums and Cultural Spaces, Former Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India
In the best area of Delhi and in stupendous surroundings, Manav Gupta has contributed stunningly: his installations gel harmoniously with the environs – rain and water , sustenance of life, done organically . Very impressive indeed.
Sachidanand Joshi
Member Secretary, IGNCA, Min of Culture, Govt. of India
Jitni baar mein Manav Gupta ke installation ko dekhta huun, mujhe har baar ek nayi cheez samajme may aati hai aur iss liye mujhe lagta hai ki ye nadi nehi hai. Manav Gupta jo hai wo wicharo ka nadi nehi hai; wo wicharo ka samundra hai.
Uttam Pacharne
Former Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, (National Academy of Arts), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India
Wonderful and Innovative works Manav ji.
Adwaita Gadanayak
Former Director, NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India)
Adhbut aur lajawab!
Sunit Tandon
Director, India Habitat Centre
Innovative, powerful and unique!
Raj Liberhan
Former Director, India Habitat Centre
Stunning visuals. Not easy to imagine cascades through clay, but this wonderful unusual medium almost can be likened to the Ganges emerging from Lord Shiva’s woven tresses. Great Imagination.
Kiran Karnik
Director, Central Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India.
Delighted to see such an appropriate and relevant interpretation of the Ganga. The message of flow, of tranquility, dust-unto-dust and sustainability all come through.
H.E. Satish Mehta
Former Ambassador, Director General ICCR, Govt of India
A very interesting, evocative and engaging display of the river Ganga , thriough its various ebbs and flows. As we launch ourselves to clean and purify this life giving river, which is a part of our history, present and future, this tremendous installation art of Manav ji will inspire to accomplish the task soonest possible.
H.E. Anil Wadhwa
Indian Ambassador to Oman, Italy, Poland, and Thailand
I was delighted to be with him for the opening of a wonderful exhibition of nature paintings by Manav. The lights effects have been used subtly, and in a sombre as well as reflective manner. I was impressed also by the Earth hues, the effects of the sun and the moon, and of nature which flourishes under the conditions. I am sure that the exhibition will be a hit in Oman. I wish Manav Success and I am thankful to him for promoting Indo-Oman friendship through the medium of an accomplished artist.
H.E. Monika Mohta
Former Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Former Director and Minister (Culture) of the Indian High Commission to the United Kingdom.
I have known Manav for more than a decade now as one of the foremost contemporary artists of our country and a wonderful human being. I had a first-hand experience of the sensitivity, maturity, and depth of his versatile oeuvre, when I was the Director of Nehru Centre, London. We had hosted his exhibition, in 2010, titled ‘Ganga to Thames, on my eyot. Rainforests and the Timeless metaphors of dreams. An ode to Turner. A tribute to Tagore.’
H.E. Dr Dnyaneshwar Manohar Mulay
Former Consul General of India, New York
K V Rajan
Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India
Ganga – powerful, inspiring, thought provoking, provocative, game changing, life changing – Captured in poetry, painting, sculpture, prose in real life – and now beautifully executed by Manav. Remarkable indeed.
S. Satyamurthy
Former Joint Secretary (Culture), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt of India
I was happy to have been drenched in an artistic/artful rain when the real rain also came. God was blessing Manav’s efforts and man made beauty was enhanced to the level of Ecstatic. – 2018, arth, art for earth.
Sunita Mehta
Headmistress, Gyanshree School
Manav ji, these installations of yours come alive when you talk about them with your visitors. Our students had so much to share after their visit to IGNCA. Maverick visionary… so apt!
Dr Mohina Dar
Principal, Amity Group of Schools
A truly enthralling piece of art work. It sends a strong message of eco- friendliness.
Dr Shayama Chona
Principal, DPS R. K. Puram
If only I had enough words to express my feelings and emotionsfor these wonderful works of art. Each painting is a poem itself. It is an expression of ‘Manav’ – mankind. He represents it all. My heartiest congratulations. You will show the way to my thousands of children. I pledge my kids to you – no less than 10000.
Prodipto Ghosh
Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India
An outstanding creation in a genre hitherto unknown in India.
I have come across Manav’s work on several occasions. Notably, his imaginative views of traditional Indian terracotta forms to convey our responsibilities towards our water resources. I have watched over the years, Manav grow into a mature artist with a unique talent at communication of environmental concerns across diverse audiences, the common folk and intellectuals, the youth and their elders that I have not yet seen in any other artist.
S M Khan
Press Sec. to former President of India
I can say that Mr. Gupta is today one of the 10 top contemporary artists of our country. I remember Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam when he was President of India, he was so impressed by Mr. Manav Gupta’s work that he invited him to stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan and do his work from there.
I look forward to his doing more and more for the society, for the nation, what he has done for production of environment through his work, he has highlighted that how environment is very necessary for sustainable development of the society. He has also worked on the traditional Indian art of pottery and reinvented pottery at the international map. His work on Indo-Bhutan friendship and other works related to Ganga project are commendable.
He will bring our nation to the forefront of creative art.
Shailendra Kumar Joshi
Chief Secretary of Telangana
When you say Earth or art, immediately the name that crops up is of Manav Gupta. I rate him as india’s top 10 eminent contemporary artists. Manav also has a distinction to be the first artist in residence at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. And apart from in addition to a good artist, he is recognized as a true visionary and a thinker who has created a movement over his career by deploying art to raise consciousness about environment.
He has been acknowledged as a pioneer for reinventing pottery as global public art for sustainable development.
Manav, you are truly a human being in the real sense as you are showing the way through your art how to move towards sustainable development.
H.E. T P Seetharam
Former Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
Impressed with the creative work that merges painting, words, music, poetry and films to promote environmental awareness.
H.E. Pawan K. Varma
Former Member Rajya Sabha, Former Indian High Commissioner to Bhutan
Manav Gupta’s ‘Hymns of clay’ is truly a spectacular piece of original art whose creativity is further enhanced by the fact that it is wholly Indian in inspiration and content with few such parallels anywhere in the world in terms of magnitude and the mass use of the potter made Bharatiya inverted , humble diya!
H.E. Virendra Gupta
Former Indian Ambassador to South Africa
Ram Bahadur Rai
President, IGNCA Trust, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Manav ji’s work and vision is truly remarkable.
Navneet Soni
Former Chief Income Tax Commissioner, Govt of India
Always a treat to see Manav’s art. A work of immense innovation.
Rajeeva Shah
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India.
It is really amazing, The concept, the creativity, the philosophy. Everything provokes us to think and realise what we are and we should be. Many congratulations to Manav for another remarkable work. My sincere best wishes
Sonali Bhagwati
Architect
I am so glad I came here. It has opened a host of possibilities in my mind.
Dikshu Kukreja
Architect
Suneet Paul
Former Editor in Chief, Architecture + Design
The site specific installation, Unsung Hymns of Clay, using earthen lamps explores environment consciousness. Architecture + Design brings you a glimpse of the concept and treatment, which is fresh , minimalistic, innovative and original…
Tulika Bhatnagar
Senior Journalist, BBC
Dearest Manav, No words to describe the magic you’ve created here! Still living it like a dream as I take my leave, and continue to do so for a long long time. Unmatched creativity, beauty and very soulful.
Subha Rajan
Director, Confederation of Indian Industry
The journey of life, the flow of’ Ganga’ magnifically and beautifully depicted. Here is the brainchild of an artist par excellence . What an imagination. Long live the Ganga & may your ….grow. God bless
Frenny Billamoria
Author & Art Collector
I have seen Manav over the years and I’m very impressed by his growth in the overall handling of watercolours – Wish him all success. God bless
Samiran Gupta
Managing Director, Asia Pacific, ICANN.
Awesome expression of energy. Congratulations!
Dilip Cherian
Member, Board of Directors, Dainik Jagran, Communication Consultant
Truly innovative and unique rendition of art in our midst. Your use of clay and the echoing of the river is great. Yet the reality is sadly far away. Art must trigger the change we need.
Parull Mahajan
Beautiful beyond words!!! I am falling short of words to describe the feeling that I am experiencing while sitting here and looking at all your works…Keep spreading the Love and Light of your creativity always…in amazement of your works!
Dr. Karima Khalil
What a treat to view these creations-in these lovely ethereal surroundings. What a canvas, what a palette- thank you.
Jennifer Graham
Beautiful installations with a beautiful message. Congratulations Manav for such a thoughful exhibition.
Laila Rodenbeck
Dear Manav, Thank you for much a beautiful transportative evening, the type that will be unforgettable wherever the river takes me.
Richard Groves
Former CEO, HSBC, Oman
When I first was introduced to Manav (20 years ago), I was most impressed by his creative talent and his enthusiasm for his craft. I also liked his work and acquired my first ‘Manav Gupta’.
I knew Manav is very talented and I’m delighted to see that he’s now one of India’s foremost living artists and he has become a world famous installation artist with his ceramic pots and through various other media. I last saw Manav in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman in 2007, where he held an exhibition of his latest works.
Jacqueline Lundquist
Former First Lady to India, United States of America
Ever since we met in I think 97, 98, I fell in love with your beautiful art and we had a wonderful show of yours, Emerging Young Artists at Roosevelt House at the American Embassy residence. And my mom proudly hangs your art in her house, as do I and several of our friends who came and bought your beautiful art at that time.
Thank you for helping me the last decade in water and getting the word out about the importance of clean, safe drinking water in India. I love your installations with the clay pots. It’s just beautiful and evocative and you keep growing as an artist and as a human being and as a philanthropist and as an environmentalist.
Marcia
Embassy of Brazil
A million times grateful for having this amazing surreal experience. I will always thank you in my heart.
Uma Sharma
Padma Bhushan Kathak Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher
Manav ji, brilliant work as always!
