Vikash Kalra stands as a prominent contemporary artist, renowned for his innovative work with steel. Drawing inspiration from globally celebrated figures like Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Subodh Gupta, Kalra has carved out his own unique niche in the art world. These artists are revered for their pioneering use of materials, particularly steel, which they transform into monumental sculptures rich in conceptual depth.

Kalra’s approach to steel is distinguished by its seamless integration of technical mastery, conceptual insight, and an intimate understanding of the material’s physical properties. While each of the aforementioned artists brings their own distinct vision to their work, they collectively elevate steel as a significant medium in contemporary art. Through their sculptures, they explore themes related to modernity, industrialization, and the complexities of human existence, making steel an essential tool for delving into the intricacies of the modern world.

In his acclaimed series “URBAN Thoughts,” Kalra takes this exploration further by delving into the emotional landscape of modern urban life. His sculptures capture the internal conflicts and dualities that define our experience within the urban environment. These works invite viewers to reflect on the tension between the individual and society—a tension that resonates deeply, evoking both intellectual and emotional responses. Through his art, Kalra does not simply depict these struggles but embodies them, making the contrast between the hardness of steel and the delicate nuances of artistic expression.

The emotions evoked by Kalra’s pieces are layered and complex. Steel, as a cold and unyielding material, often conjures feelings of rigidity and isolation, reflecting the emotional barriers we frequently encounter in urban settings. However, Kalra softens these impressions by incorporating organic forms into his works, reminding us of the persistence of tenderness and vitality, even in the harshest of environments. This interplay of materials serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional duality experienced in cities—the constant push and pull between connection and disconnection, strength and vulnerability.

Kalra’s choice of materials—canvas, oil, acrylic, and steel—goes beyond the mere tools of his trade. These elements are vessels for conveying deeper emotional truths. Steel, with its industrial weight and permanence, evokes thoughts of immovability, while the organic forms introduced within the sculptures suggest life’s inherent fluidity and capacity for change. This juxtaposition mirrors our own experiences in urban environments, where the desire for stability often coexists with the need for growth and transformation.

His art challenges us to confront the emotional impact of urbanization on our psyche, prompting difficult yet necessary questions: How do urban spaces shape our identities? How do they influence our relationships with others and with ourselves? The emotions stirred by Kalra’s work linger long after one leaves the exhibition, encouraging deeper contemplation about our place in the world and the ways our surroundings shape us.

Kalra’s work appeals not only to the intellect but also to the emotions, evoking feelings of both awe and unease. The starkness of his steel installations may initially provoke a sense of alienation, but the organic forms nestled within them remind us of the warmth and humanity that endure even in the most unexpected places. This emotional dichotomy—between coldness and warmth, isolation and connection—lies at the heart of Kalra’s exploration of the human condition within the urban context.

Kalra’s “URBAN Thoughts” creates a space for dialogue—about the self, emotions, and the ways in which our surroundings shape who we are. This series transcends the conventional boundaries of an exhibition; it is an emotional journey that compels us to reconsider our connection to the urban world and, ultimately, to ourselves.

Virendra Shekhawat

Curator: “URBAN Thoughts” – A Series of Modern and Contemporary Sculptures in Steel 

Founder President, Delhi Photography Club 

Curator, Mandawa Art Village