The Indian Partition forced Sehgal to migrate, leaving behind all that he called his home. His first job as an art teacher at Modern School on Barakhamba road led him to begin his career in the Capital. 1953, 6 years into a new nation, modern India was growing into the largest democracy in the new world and New Delhi has been the epicenter, more so for the arts. This transformed the state into a generous patron of the arts and sciences.
Sehgal was one of the many talents at the time fueled with inspiration.
He was commissioned to create works for government institutions such as the Airport Authority of India and the Vigyaan Bhawan along with busts of revered politicians and freedom fighters.
His first contribution to public art, Young India was a tall bronze, exceptionally detailed sculpture of two school students, installed at the first trade fair. It was a social message to encourage education amongst the youth. This set the tone for the genre of socio-political work he would go on to create in the coming year.
Delhi gave him the comfort of a home he was yet to discover, and he contributed to some of Delhi’s most iconic public spaces. One of his most well received public works was the Rising Tide, an unconventional sculptural marvel, that brought out the genius in him.
The Delhi NCR project has been an ongoing odyssey of discovery for the Private Collection, a passion project that has helped us rediscover the artist.
The Project Delhi NCR
Rajan Sehgal
Compiling this catalogue posed quite a challenge as the sculptures were in varied hands, having been sold by the artist to government agencies, corporates and private collectors over the years. Accessing them was not easy and, at times, quite disheartening. Some occupied the place of pride, few had fallen into disrepair and a couple simply disappeared due to negligence and apathy for the arts. On the positive side, it afforded us the opportunity to repair and restore the damaged works for art enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy.
Therefore I felt it important to catalogue these larger public and privately held installations, for the information of the interested art lover who may wish to further explore the work of the artist.