Childhood memories

Every individual reminisces the innocence and simplicity of childhood. In an attempt to recreate the very charm of child-like innocence, Lalit Kala Akademi is hosting sculptor Christine Margotin’s solo art exhibition titled- ‘Four Seasons Of Childhood’.

This exhibition which begins on Thursday will showcase 15 most recent artworks by Christine Margotin which are twelve life-size bronze sculptures of children and three 3D frames talking about childhood.

The artist makes art in 3D, mostly using bronze, to create sculptures of children engaged in action that inspired joy or compassion. She is inspired by themes like childhood, waterside, Indian roads, love and spirituality. Sculptures in this series show astonishing compositions where colour painted bronze is associated to others materials.

With this innovative and contemporary body of works, the artist sets a state of mind more known to children than grown-ups.

In this exhibition, the artist delves further into the concept of childhood which she has been focusing on, since 2014.

The works, which will be on display, depict children in different moods and at play. Some children are shown playing traditional, universal games – with a balloon, skipping rope, hopscotch, splashing on a puddle of water, blowing bubbles; while others are living typical experiences of childhood: savouring an ice cream, throwing a tantrum, feeling a bit dazed after waking up from a nap. In the most recent installations, Margotin has introduced some interactions of children with animals, which is new in her work and an part of childhood!

These series of large size sculptures show children playing simple and enjoyable games. In this series, the sculptor evokes the joy of being a child and the ability to be happy for no or little reason.

In addition, Margotin affirms that these works are her way to contribute to a general awareness in the world about what childhood should be but unfortunately, very often, is not.

Christine Margotin is a French artist who is living in New Delhi since 2009. She works both from her Studio in Delhi and from Jaipur where she gets her bronze pieces cast. Christine is a self-taught sculptor. She taught herself by trying, experimenting and persevering in face of the technical issues that sculpture might represent. She also learned by working with resin casters and bronze casters both in India and in France. She had joined the Triveni Sculpture Studio in Delhi where she modelled clay figures with assiduity. Before dedicating herself to sculpture, she worked as a process engineer in the oil industry and as a strategy consultant.