Neeraj Gupta is an award winning sculpture artist of International repute. He is the first Indian artist to win Florence Biennale Award. Gupta is the founder and president of Delhi Art Society. Neeraj Gupta is also the president of Buddha Jayanti Park, Delhi (also known as Buddha Garden Delhi). In August 2023, Gupta planted 1000 Cassia fistula (Amaltas) trees in the garden. He is the winner of Sahitya Kala Parishad award and member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, United Kingdom. His art "From Here to Eternity" was selected for 8th Beijing International Art Biennale China 2019. Neeraj Gupta is one of the winners (3rd place) of International Art & Design Competition 2020.
Florence Biennale Award: International Award for Art. During each edition of the Florence Biennale an International Jury composed of distinguished scholars, art historians and critics from different countries confer the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” International Award to the best exhibiting artists for their works on show.
President: Delhi Art Society
Member of India International Center and India Habitat Center
Background
Neeraj Gupta was born in 1969 in Delhi. He completed his schooling from Delhi and graduated from Delhi University. Gupta earned Master's degree in 1993 in Building Science from School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi, India. Neeraj Gupta is currently staying in New Rajender Nagar, New Delhi.
A continuous progression was made by Mr. Gupta in the direction of his so-called proactive career. After Mr. Gupta staged a solo show at Lalit Kala Academy in Delhi in the year 2003, there was no turning back for him. He has continued to be successful ever since. In the year 2005, he was the host of a number of exhibitions, including a Solo Show at the India Habitat Centre and a Solo Show at the Domestic Airport of the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi. Subsequently, in the year 2006, he once again had a solo exhibition of his works at the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi. Subsequently, in the year 2008, he once again organized the solo exhibition at the India Habitat Centre and Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai." Since that time, Mr. Gupta has been organizing solo shows on an annual basis, with the most recent one taking place in 2011. This exhibition was held at the Hungarian culture center and consisted of a display that showcased 100 years of Delhi. In recognition of the quality of his work, Mr. Neeraj Gupta was honored with the Sahitya Kala Parishad Award in the year 2004 during the 28th Annual Art Exhibition held by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
In 2004, he actively participated in the National Exhibition of Art at Lalit Kala Academy, and in 2009, he was recognized as the theme artist for the India International Center's annual festival. His extensive collection of sculptures is on display in a number of locations, including South Block, the Central Atrium of the D.R.D.O. HD. QRTS, the Central Cathedral church in New Delhi, Holland, the Indian Islamic Center, and more. Mr. Neeraj Gupta is skilled in conveying ideas in a variety of media, including storytelling, literature, music, fashion, and religion as well as politics and history.
Neeraj Gupta is a renowned sculptor celebrated for his mastery in the art form. His journey into sculpture began with a deep appreciation for nature's forms and a fascination with the human condition. Gupta's work seamlessly blends classical elegance with modern sensibilities, reflecting his diverse range of subjects, from figurative representations to abstract explorations of form and space. Drawing inspiration from India's rich artistic traditions, Gupta's sculptures often reflect themes of spirituality, mythology, and cultural symbolism, resonating with audiences worldwide. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Gupta is committed to nurturing the next generation of sculptors through mentorship and education. His work has earned him acclaim and recognition in galleries and museums globally, solidifying his place as a luminary in the world of contemporary sculpture.
In 2021, Gupta was nominated for 9th Gwangju Biennale South Korea. In February 2020, Gupta organised a public art exhibition "Sculpt for Delhi III" presented by Delhi Art Society. The seven days art exhibition featured works of 20 sculpture artists from across the India. Neeraj Gupta is also one of the finalists of Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2018 out of 666 entries.
Gupta also wrote "20 Solutions, Artist Response to Climate Change", released on the eve of Climate Summit in PARIS by Environment Minister, Govt. of India 2015. He also directed a Documentary on Singasth Kumbh 20.
Born with an innate passion for artistic expression, Neeraj Gupta embarked on his journey into the world of sculpture with determination and fervor. His early years were shaped by a profound reverence for nature's forms and an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. These influences became the cornerstone of Gupta's artistic philosophy, fueling his quest to capture the essence of life in his creations.
Gupta's artistic odyssey led him to explore various mediums and techniques, from traditional sculpting methods to innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the craft. His sculptures seamlessly blend classical elegance with modern sensibilities, embodying a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Each piece tells a story, evoking a myriad of emotions and inviting viewers into a world of wonder and contemplation.
Central to Gupta's artistic vision is his deep-rooted connection to his cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from India's rich artistic traditions, Gupta pays homage to his roots while also embracing the universality of human experience. His sculptures often reflect themes of spirituality, mythology, and cultural symbolism, resonating with audiences across borders and cultures.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Neeraj Gupta is also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of sculptors. As a mentor and educator, he shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists, imparting invaluable lessons on technique, creativity, and artistic integrity. Through workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, Gupta continues to inspire and empower budding talents, ensuring that the legacy of sculpture art thrives for generations to come.
In recognition of his contributions to the world of art, Neeraj Gupta has received numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the globe, earning him acclaim from critics and enthusiasts alike. Yet, amidst the accolades and recognition, Gupta remains grounded in his dedication to the craft, ever-humbled by the transformative power of art.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, artists like Neeraj Gupta serve as beacons of creativity and enlightenment. Through their creations, they remind us of the beauty that surrounds us and the depths of the human spirit. Neeraj Gupta's sculptures are not merely objects of beauty; they are reflections of life itself, timeless expressions of the human experience that resonate with all who encounter them. In the hands of this master sculptor, clay is transformed into poetry, and stone becomes a vessel for the soul's journey.
Awards and Honors
- 2019 Eminent Artist of India in the 60th National Exhibition of Art by Lalit Kala Academy (National Academy of Art)
- Won the Lorenzo il Magnifico SILVER award at the XIth Florence Biennale,Italy 2017
- 2017 Silver Medal in Florence Biennale Award
- 2004 Sahitya Kala Parishad Award at the 28th Annual Art Exhibition, Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi
- Finalist for Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2018 out of 666 entries 2018, Sydeney, Australia
- Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021 by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Neeraj Gupta's Notable Exhibitions
- Geumgang Nature Art Biennale 2021
- "Sculpt for Delhi III" 2020 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
- Oak Bay Arts, 2020 Arts Alive Sculpture Walk, Public Art Program at Vancouver, Canada
- 2019 Jerusalem Biennale
- "Delhi for Sculpt II" inaugurated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Bulgarian ambassador Eleonora Dimitrova
- NORD ART 2018 , Germany
- ''Sculpt for Delhi'' in India International Centre 2018
- Conceptualized and Curated "Sculpt For Delhi", India International Center 2018
- NDMC Convention Centre near Jantar Mantar
- South Block, Central Atrium of D.R.D.O. HD. QRTS Nehru Park New Delhi
- INDIA @ 70 , Thailand 2017
- Whispering Wood, India Habitat Centre 2017
- Santorini Biennale, Greece 2016
- Isculpt, India International Centre 2016
- "Folk Strangers" at Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre 2015
- ''Breath Better Together'' in India International Centre 2015
- Solo Show at Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre 2015
- Public Art Exhibition in India International Center 2014
- ''Kaya Kalap'' at India Habitat Centre, Visual Arts Gallery in Jan 2013
- Solo Show at India Habitat Centre , Visual Arts Gallery in Jan 2013
- Solo Show at DLF Malls at Gurgaon 2012
- An exhibition showcasing 100 yrs of Delhi, Hungarian culture centre 2011
- Solo Show at India Habitat Centre , Visual Arts Gallery in Jan 2010
- Theme Artist of annual festival of India International Centre
- Solo Show at Jahanghir Art Gallery (Mumbai) in Oct. 2008
- Solo Show at India Habitat Centre , Visual Arts Gallery in Jan 2008
- Solo Show at Domestic Airport of Indira Gandhi Airport of Delhi 2005
- Best sculptor award in 77th Annual art Exhibition of AIFACS 2005
- Solo Show , India Habitat Center 2005
- Participation in National Exhibition of Art. of Lalit Kala Academy 2004
- Sahitya Kala parishad Award , 28th Annual Art Exhibition, Govt. of N.C.T of Delhi 2004
- ''Kalyug'', Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi 2003
- Solo show , Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi 2003