In today's hyperconnected world, sculptor Vernika Singh believes that taking meaningful pauses can provide much-needed clarity and perspective. Her latest exhibition, "In Motion and Stillness," currently running at Max Square in Noida, explores the delicate balance between constant activity and moments of self-reflection through powerful three-dimensional artworks.
Speaking with The Morning Standard, Singh explained her artistic vision: "'In Motion and Stillness' reflects the way I see life – we are constantly moving, yet there are moments of pause that give us clarity. The exhibition is about finding a balance between activity and reflection." The artist has worked extensively with the concept of dynamism in movement, capturing these themes through expressive human forms that speak to universal experiences of struggle, strength, and resilience.
Singh's journey into sculpture began unexpectedly during her engineering studies. "I had a foundry class where I worked with metal, learning casting, welding, and shaping. That exposure sparked a strong desire to experiment with materials beyond painting, which I had been doing since childhood," she recalled. College became the turning point where she transitioned from two-dimensional expression to three-dimensional sculpting. Over time, she realized that sculpture provided her with a unique way to translate emotions, movements, and stories into tangible form, describing the experience as "less like I chose sculpture and more like sculpture chose me."
As an established artist, Singh draws inspiration from both classical and contemporary masters. She particularly admires Michelangelo's technical mastery and Bharti Kher's powerful use of female forms. "I love Kher for the way she uses female forms so powerfully, Louise Bourgeois for her balance of emotion and structure, but more than anyone else, my artist friends are my biggest inspiration," Singh noted. "The conversations, struggles, and exchanges we share constantly push me to see differently and create more honestly."
Each artwork in the exhibition carries profound messages about human experience and potential. "Gymnasts," one of the standout pieces, depicts one human figure holding another mid-air, symbolizing strength, balance, and courage while speaking volumes about relationships and life's interconnectedness. Another significant work, "I am the universe-II," serves as a reminder of how we become what we believe ourselves to be, featuring a figure seated in a meditative pose with a halo rendered in mandala form around the head.
The "Inverted Yoga" series specifically addresses the theme of focus and concentration, demonstrating how physical discipline can lead to mental clarity. According to Singh, each work in the exhibition carries reminders of resilience, harmony, and human potential, encouraging viewers to consider their own relationship with movement and stillness in their daily lives.
"In Motion and Stillness" continues at Max Square in Noida through September 1, with viewing hours from 11 AM to 7 PM daily. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience Singh's unique perspective on finding balance in an increasingly fast-paced world, inviting contemplation on the essential pauses that can provide direction and meaning in our lives.
