Be it a child searching for shells or a woman rushing to office, or a coolie beneath the weight of a cargo and sweepers cleaning the roads - these day-to-day activities have been sculpted in bronze by a French artist.
Christine Margotin's exhibition 'Beauty Makes Us Happy' is an ode to small, little ordinary things that we all observe in our life, but hardly notice them, as they are not extra-ordinary.
But Margotin, who first came to India in 2001, was fascinated by witnessing beauty everywhere. So when she came here as an expatriate in 2009, she decided to observe roadside activities and everyday hustle-bustle.
In her exhibition comprising 20 works, crafted for over two years, she has skillfully created expressions with finesse and successfully portrayed many emotions.
A series of three sculptures titled 'Dust Fighters' captures the Indian sweepers in three different positions.
"It is a tribute to the Indian sweepers, who in all seasons in different positions, fight the dust in a country, where it is pervasive," she said.
"Wherever you are in India, you will find these sweepers, by the roadside, in the parks, in front of shops. Like valiant soldiers they work to do which will be undone a moment later," she added.
In another sculpture titled 'The Indian Wait', a man in squatting position is framed.
Margotin said this pose is a predominant feature of the Indian men, whom she has observed for six years.
"They remain a mystery to me and make me think of the strange absurdity in the act of waiting," she said.
The exhibition is at display at the Galerie Romain Rolland at Alliance Francaise till Nov 21.
These exhibits will later move to Margotin's private gallery in Chanakyapuri, Delhi.
