Delhi-based artist Deepak Kumar has presented his new sculpture Garuda, the Silent Flight at the 21st edition of Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2026, in Western Australia. He is Represented by Exhibit 320. The annual exhibition, held from March 6 to 23, transforms the Cottesloe coastline into one of the world’s most acclaimed open-air sculpture trails.
Reimagining a Mythic Symbol
Kumar’s bronze sculpture reinterprets Garuda, the mythological eagle, as a wounded and grounded figure. Through this work, the artist reflects on the shrinking freedom of birds in rapidly urbanising landscapes. The piece draws attention to the looming threats of infrastructural growth, such as power lines, and to humanity’s uneasy coexistence with nature.
“Garuda, the Silent Flight reflects on the vulnerability of avian life amid expanding urban environments,” says Kumar. “The wounded form is a quiet yet urgent reminder of nature’s diminishing space.”
Global Platform for Indian Artists
Sculpture by the Sea draws artists and audiences worldwide, offering a unique dialogue between art, environment, and public engagement. Installed along the scenic coastal trail, the works respond to the sea, sky, and terrain, creating a powerful visual and sensory experience.
The 2026 edition was curated by Olga Cironis, Geoffrey Edwards, Sharyn Egan, and Michael Le Grand, underscoring the exhibition’s international stature. Kumar’s inclusion marks a significant milestone, placing him among a select group of Indian artists featured at this prestigious platform.
Practice Rooted in Ecology
An anatomy researcher, ecological observer, and farmer-artist, Deepak Kumar’s practice examines biodiversity within expanding urban ecosystems. Working primarily in brass and bronze, he explores material memory, environmental resilience, and the long-term imprint of human intervention on natural systems.
Kumar holds an MFA and BFA in Painting from the College of Art, Delhi. He is a recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award in Painting (2023) and the Inlaks India Foundation grant (2024). His work has been exhibited at the India Art Fair (2023–2025) and Art Mumbai, and is part of the Reserve Bank of India’s collection.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
