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Stone Becomes a Storyteller in S.D. Hari Prasad’s Works

In Shapes of the Continuity that opened on January 18, 2025, at the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad, India, renowned Indian sculptor S.D. Hari Prasad presents a collection of stone sculptures that embody both timeless heritage and innovative experimentation. The exhibition is on view until February 11, 2025. By Aiswarya Kulkarni

Art is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, between the past we inherit and the future we envision. In Shapes of the Continuity, renowned Indian sculptor S.D. Hari Prasad masterfully bridges this gap, presenting a collection of stone sculptures that embody both timeless heritage and innovative experimentation. The exhibition opened on January 18, 2025, at the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad, India, on view until February 11, 2025. These works are not merely sculptures; they are narratives in stone — stories of an artist’s journey to push the boundaries of his craft and uncover new dimensions of meaning.

Hari Prasad’s inherent desire to challenge material constraints and his own artistic limits is evident in this ensemble. These “machine-executed works” in various types of stone reflect a deliberate effort to achieve what he calls a “congealed continuity,” a state where material and concept merge seamlessly. With Shapes of the Continuity, Hari Prasad invites us to witness the interplay of form and thought, urging us to reflect on the enduring dialogue between the past and the present.

“My sculptural practice transcends the physical form, priorotising the intangible and the unseen. Through the act of creation, I cultivate a profound meditative experience. I seek the essence within myself and the world around me, recognising it as the wellspring of meditative creation. Inspired by complexities of human existence and our enduring quest for ‘Bliss’, I strive to push beyond the boundaries of conventional sculpture. Social conditioning and its inherent limitations serve as a catalyst for my work” says Hari Prasad.

Heritage Meets Modernity
A house and a work of art share a unique parallel — they are both vessels of continuity. Just as a family home grows to accommodate the evolving needs of its inhabitants while preserving memories of generations past, Hari Prasad’s sculptures blend tradition and innovation. He hails from a lineage of Sthapatis, traditional temple architects, and grew up surrounded by the art of stone carving. His formal education, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Andhra University and advanced training in Istanbul, brought a global perspective to his deeply Indian roots.

“It is not enough to honour tradition,” Hari Prasad once said. “An artist must stretch it, reinterpret it, and make it relevant for today.” His philosophy mirrors the essence of a family home, where heritage coexists with modernity, creating a dynamic and evolving space.

Artistic Journey
Hari Prasad’s work is a testament to an artist who thrives on experimentation. Over the years, his sculptures have evolved from intricate figurative works rooted in traditional techniques to abstract forms that challenge the limits of stone as a medium. His dedication to exploring new methods, such as Glass Kiln Casting and Fusing, reflects his belief that creativity knows no boundaries.

His contributions to the Indian art scene have earned him accolades, including the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi and a Junior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India. His sculptures have been exhibited at prestigious venues like the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in contemporary Indian sculpture.

The Exhibition


At the heart of Shapes of the Continuity is a profound meditation on time and existence. The ensemble reflects the artist’s belief that “continuity is the soul of creation.” The forms are deceptively simple yet deeply symbolic, inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between permanence and change.

Through his use of stone — a material synonymous with durability — Hari Prasad explores the fleeting nature of human experience. Each sculpture embodies a delicate balance between geometry and fluidity, tradition and innovation. The works transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, resonating with universal themes of interconnectedness and transformation.

This body of work also highlights the artist’s embrace of technology. By incorporating machine execution into his process, Hari Prasad demonstrates that tradition need not be static. Instead, it can evolve, drawing from contemporary techniques to deepen its resonance.

The Artist’s Vision: Shapes that Speak

Hari Prasad’s artistic vision is rooted in his belief that art is a language of connection. “Sculpture,” he says, “is not just about shaping stone. It’s about shaping thought, shaping how we see ourselves and our place in the world.” This idea finds powerful expression in Shapes of the Continuity, where each piece becomes a metaphor for the human journey.

The sculptures invite viewers to explore their own relationships with time, memory, and identity. They remind us that, just as a family home holds stories of generations past, art carries the legacy of culture and creativity into the future.

Between Geometry and Emotion

One of the most striking aspects of Hari Prasad’s work is his ability to marry geometry with emotion. The precision of his forms belies their underlying depth, creating pieces that are at once visually striking and emotionally evocative. As viewers, we are drawn into this delicate interplay, finding ourselves reflected in the smooth curves and sharp angles of his sculptures.

Shapes of the Continuity is a celebration of the eternal dialogue between past and present. Hari Prasad’s work embodies the spirit of Rina Triya, the triad of obligations that calls us to honor our heritage, enrich it in the present, and pass it on to the future.In his sculptures, we see the essence of human creativity—the ability to adapt, innovate, and endure. Just as a family home brings generations together, Hari Prasad’s art connects us to our shared history while inspiring us to envision new possibilities. Through his work, he reminds us that continuity is not just about preserving the past; it is about shaping the future. And in doing so, he leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of Indian art.