Could you ever have imagined that the coffee plant could be molded into an object of sheer beauty and creativity? Art has always been an individual expression of ideas and aspirations. When art takes form through the simple blend of natural pigments, plants, wood, cotton, and latex, it transforms into much more than being just an ordinary art sculpture – it becomes a sustainable inheritance from a person’s creativity. Ranjani Shettar’s latest solo museum exhibition in Mumbai, India does just that. Shettar’s first solo exhibition in India, High Tide for a Blue Moon is currently on display at the city’s oldest museum, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, till February 17, 2013.

Shettar’s sculptural installations are inspired by nature and she makes use of natural, traditional ingredients in all of her works such as tamarind kernel paste, muslin cloth, latex, wooden beads, coffee stems, and natural pigments. Ten sturdy yet delicate sculptures infuse the museum’s grand interiors with poetic drama and create vivid pictures spanning landscapes. The highlight of the exhibition is High Tide for a Blue Moon where Shettar creates a dramatic structure formed from the joining of coffee stems, which are coated with metallic automobile paint. Visitors must engage and soothe their senses with some of Shettar’s best creations: Lagoon, Remanence from Last Night’s Dream, and Scent of a Sound.

Ranjani’s inspired creations and dexterity have earned her accolades in prestigious museums worldwide including the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the New York Museum of Modern Art. Her sculptures lend the surrounding environment, a surreal and magical touch.

Ranjani is a young artist from Bangalore in India and she draws inspiration for most of her works from her mother’s home in Coorg and her own penchant for swimming against the tide of conventionalism. She grew up seeing the coffee plant being used decoratively and this fueled her creativity. From her student days at the Chitrakala Parishath, Ranjani Shettar wanted to create sculptures that could be suspended and even float in the air. With her first exhibition in Mumbai, she has been able to achieve that and much more.

Ranjani’s works have charmed collectors and art critics all over the world. If you happen to be in Mumbai then do stop by at the museum and enthrall your senses with her fine creations.

Image Courtesy : Talwargallery.com

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About the author

Kritika Kulshrestha
I studied Computer Engineering in Mumbai, India and completed my Bachelor's program in 2010. After that, I worked with Deloitte Consulting for two years. Since April 2012, I have been working as a freelance writer and ghost-writer. I'm also working as a positive news media journalist with Youth Leader.org since July 2012. I completed an online internship with a citizen journalism initiative in India. My focus is writing on lifestyle, culture, and society. A few things that I love doing - reading, writing poetry, listening to music, playing the guitar, travel, movies, and gorging on good food. I'm committed and deadline-driven and a great team player. Love to get to know new people and learn their stories. Reporting from India.