Rajasthan's time-honoured tradition of clay sculpture has earned prominent recognition on the national stage as Jaipur-based terracotta artist Chandrashekhar Sain received the prestigious National Akademi Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi. The honour was bestowed during the 65th National Exhibition of Art 2026 in recognition of his terracotta sculpture titled 'My Entire World-I'. Notably, Sain is the sole artist from Jaipur to secure the national academy award this year, marking a celebrated milestone for the state's cultural landscape and traditional art forms.
Echoes of Kalibangan and Molela Traditions
Sain has dedicated decades to the visual arts, focusing primarily on terracotta as an expressive medium. His artistic vocabulary draws profound inspiration from Rajasthan's folk ethos and archaeological roots, carrying distinct stylistic elements reminiscent of ancient Kalibangan and the renowned clay relief work of Molela. Across his portfolio, organic forms, personal and collective memories, trees, birds, animals, and diverse facets of the natural environment serve as recurring themes, capturing the timeless relationship between humankind and the earth.
Philosophy Behind 'My Entire World-I'
The award-winning artwork, 'My Entire World-I', translates concept-wise into my entire world or my complete universe. Rather than confining the sculpture to a private autobiographical reflection, Sain explored a much broader holistic reality. The terracotta piece unites nature, living creatures, human imagination, layered memories, and inner consciousness, presenting an interwoven ecosystem where internal sentiments and external realities connect seamlessly into a cohesive whole.
National Recognition and Global Showcases
The recent national accolade builds upon a storied career studded with institutional honours. Sain was conferred the State Art Award in 2014, followed by accolades such as the Kausa Trust Kala Awards and the Lok Kala Ratna Samman across state and international forums. Over the years, he has mounted more than 10 solo exhibitions across India. On the global stage, facilitated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Sain presented his art and delivered lectures at Casa de la India in Valladolid, Spain.
Academic Research and Institutional Service
Beyond studio practice, Chandrashekhar Sain has actively contributed to research and arts governance. He was granted an honorary degree representing South-West Africa by African Moon University. His dedicated inquiry into Rajasthani terracotta practices earned him the CCRT Junior Fellowship as well as the CSIR-UGC Junior Research Fellowship. Furthermore, he has contributed administratively to institutional arts management, having served as treasurer and member of the finance committee at the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi.
The Kota Camp and Public Art Donation
A notable milestone in Sain's artistic journey occurred during an international art camp hosted in Kota in 2007. During this intensive collaborative event, he sculpted artworks valued between 5 and 7 crore rupees. Following the camp, these valuable creations were officially donated to the government via the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi, highlighting his longstanding dedication to enriching public cultural assets.
