Manish Waghdhare – Sculptor & Metal-Craft Artist

Born on 7th November 1968, Manish Waghdhare is an Indian sculptor whose journey in the field of art has been shaped by dedication, technical mastery, and creative innovation. A graduate of the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, he specialized in Metalcraft in 1989 and Sculpture & Modelling in 1993, disciplines that would later define his career and artistic expression.

Waghdhare’s artistic journey began with notable recognition early on. He won the 1st Prize at the Annual Art Exhibition in 1989 for his Metal Craft Repoussé work. In the years that followed, he continued to garner awards from institutions such as the Maharashtra State Art Exhibition and the Art Society of India, cementing his reputation as an emerging talent in contemporary sculpture. His works often reflect a unique interplay of traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, positioning him as a significant contributor to India’s contemporary art landscape.

Over the years, Waghdhare has exhibited extensively in India and abroad. In the 1990s, his participation in group shows at prominent venues such as the Jehangir Art Gallery, NGMA, and the Nehru Centre brought his work to the forefront of the art scene. His installations, including the much-noted sculpture installation at NGMA in 2001, revealed his ability to combine monumental scale with conceptual depth.

His international engagements further expanded his influence. In 2003, he was awarded a scholarship in Colorado, USA, at the prestigious Marble-Marble Symposium, which became a turning point in his career. This was followed by multiple participations in sculpture symposiums and exhibitions across the globe, including the International Ice Sculpture Contest in Vallorie, France (2009), the Sculpture Symposium in Russia (2010), and the International Ice Sculpture Contest in Helsinki, Finland (2011). His works in these international forums not only showcased his technical versatility but also demonstrated his ability to adapt to diverse cultural and artistic contexts.

One of his remarkable contributions was the execution of metal sculptures for M. F. Husain at The Joy Shoes, Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai (2004). This collaboration stands as a testimony to his ability to combine craftsmanship with large-scale commissions, blending artistic creativity with functional design.

Waghchdhare’s solo exhibition “Humble-Obsolete” at Jehangir Art Gallery in 2009 marked another significant milestone in his career. The exhibition was lauded for its conceptual strength and originality, reinforcing his identity as a contemporary sculptor with a distinctive vision.

Throughout his career, Waghdhare has maintained a balance between national and international recognition. His works have been presented at prestigious venues including the Redstone Art Centre in Colorado (2008 and 2010), the Loveland Museum, USA, and at significant platforms such as the United Art Fair in New Delhi (2012). Each of these exhibitions reflected his commitment to exploring new mediums, themes, and sculptural languages.

Today, with decades of experience behind him, Manish Waghdhare continues to inspire as an artist who bridges traditional craft and modern experimentation. His journey reflects not only the story of a sculptor but also of an innovator whose works resonate across cultural and geographical boundaries.