Ranjani Shettar: Sculptural Explorations of Material and Place

Ranjani Shettar is an Indian visual artist hailing from Bangalore, India, born in 1977. Her artistic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture from the College of Fine Art, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (1998), followed by a Master’s degree specializing in Sculpture from the same institution (2000). These formative years instilled within her a profound appreciation for traditional craft techniques and a fascination with exploring the relationship between art and its environment.

• Early Influences: Shettar's artistic vision was shaped by encounters with artists like Nasreen Mohamedi and Rummana Hussain, whose explorations of landscape and materiality resonated deeply with her own sensibilities.
• Formal Training: Her academic pursuits honed her sculptural skills and provided a theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of artistic expression.

Sculptural Practice and Material Exploration

Shettar’s distinctive style is characterized by large-scale sculptural installations that seamlessly blend industrial materials—such as stainless steel, PVC pipe, and wire—with organic elements like beeswax, wood, vegetal pastes, lacquer, and cloth. This juxtaposition reflects her core artistic philosophy: a deliberate interrogation of how materials interact with each other and with space. Her works often depict abstracted forms inspired by natural phenomena – ripples in water, the contours of hillsides, or the delicate patterns of insect wings—creating immersive environments that invite contemplation.

• Technique: Shettar employs meticulous handwork alongside innovative fabrication methods, demonstrating a commitment to both tradition and experimentation.
• Material Choices: Her selection of materials is purposeful, reflecting her desire to convey subtle nuances of texture, color, and form.

Notable Exhibitions and Recognition

Ranjani Shettar’s artistic reputation has garnered international acclaim. Her sculptures have been showcased at prestigious institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA). Furthermore, her work resides in permanent collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation. Key exhibitions featuring her installations include:

• The Met & SFMOMA: Her sculptures were prominently displayed during concurrent presentations at MoMA and SFMOMA in 2018 and 2009 respectively, cementing her position as a leading voice in contemporary sculpture.
• Other Venues: Shettar’s art has graced venues across Europe and Asia – including Liverpool Biennial (2010), Lyon Biennial (2008), Sharjah Biennial (2007) – demonstrating the breadth of her artistic influence.

Collaborations and Artistic Legacy

Ranjani Shettar’s collaborative projects with institutions like MoMA have resulted in impactful artistic endeavors, notably *Touch Me Not*, a sculptural installation exploring themes of vulnerability and resilience. Her recent involvement in the MET 150 project—commemorating The Metropolitan Museum of Art's bicentennial—underscores her enduring engagement with art history and its role in shaping cultural dialogue. Shettar’s work continues to inspire artists and scholars alike, solidifying her legacy as a visionary sculptor who champions both materiality and the profound connection between art and place.