Sculptor and mural artist Rouble Nagi talks about her latest art installation in Mumbai.
What are you inspirations?
Travel has been a part of my life since I was a child and being an army officer’s daughter, I was exposed to various cultures, places and religions from different regions which influence my work in a big way. For me the inspiration comes from life. The only time I feel alive is when I sculpt, cut glass and tile, put my hands in clay... Challenging projects are always exciting as an artist, as I have the freedom to create and do justice to them. I’m a perfectionist and like to put my heart and soul in all my projects. Working on this sculpture was tough, but also very satisfying.
What made you choose this part of the city for the sculpture? Is it a public installation?
This sculpture has been installed in a new constructed building in Napean Sea Road, it’s customised. The sculpture is placed at the entrance of the building. It was nice working with the architectural company and my client, as they had some nice inputs during the design phase. As an artist, I like experimenting with medium and design in both murals and sculptures.
What are the major ideas on which you based this installation?
This is basically a non-representational sculpture, designed specifically keeping freedom and an upward motion in mind, like white pigeons flying vertically up in a flock. The design is inspired by what we see in nature and is the starting point of a somewhat creative play, which bears some resemblance to my thought of freedom.
Why did you use white marble?
I individually like working with stone, and white is one of my favourite colours. While working with white marble, one has to be very careful as faults are easily visible. It’s more of a challenge working with this medium, which makes it exciting. Also, the sculpture had to be placed outdoors near the sea, that’s why I chose this medium, which is maintained easily and looks beautiful. A good installation artist always has to keep his surrounding in mind while executing the job, otherwise nature can play havoc.
What made you title it ‘Freedom’?
The vision during the design phase were doves or pigeons flying upwards in a flock. The white doves/pigeons are synonymous with freedom, joy and peace. Freedom in all aspects — spiritual and otherwise. This sculpture is a visual treat for the residents of the building and the colour white is very soothing to the eye.
Are you working on any other sculpture or mural at the moment?
Currently I am working for some projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Delhi and Jaipur. The work is very different from one another and mediums are also very different. It’s interesting and very exciting. My works keep me on my toes and let me travel most of the time, which in turn helps inspire me create more unusual things.
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