MADDI, as he was affectionately known, was a visionary artist whose enduring muse was Lord Hanuman,
THE MONKEY GOD.
His distinctive relief works in wood and sculptures reflect a divine inspiration that captures unmatched individuality and depth. Through this retrospective, lost to us far too soon, we celebrate not only a creative genius but also pay homage through the heartfelt ode by his son AMAN RAWAT, himself a creative force in advertising.
MADDI’S art is a fusion of love, emotion, humor, and joy — a journey into the human condition as seen through his eyes. A sculptor working across wood, stone, and paper, his signature burned relief work on wood brings to life depictions of monkeys in their natural essence. From stone to metal, his hands tested every medium, but it was wood that became his signature. Fire turned from force to language, echoing tribal rituals where burn marks were not scars but identity.
Among these figures are the Monkey King and the Hindu monkey warrior Hanuman, portrayed with intelligence, mischief, vanity, and restlessness — qualities mirroring human spirit and passion.
RAWAT’S creativity was unlike many, rooted deeply in instinct and originality. His playful, uninhibited approach invites viewers to embrace life’s whimsical game without prejudice. Always innovating, MADDI shunned destruction and emulation, seeking instead to create fresh expressions that stand apart, making him a true original in the world of contemporary art.
BY – NEERAJ MITTRA
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.