“Like ever evolving scope of a language, his [Dhruva Mistry’s] ponderings reflect plurality of not just visual ideas but cultural concepts.” - About Dhruva Mistry
Did you know that there are four groups of sculptures decorating the exterior of National Museum Cardiff? Also known as the ‘attic sculptures’, each group represents different elements of Welsh life – from history to science, industry and the arts.
The sculptor, Dhruva Mistry, was commissioned to complete the sculpture scheme of the building. Commissioned in the 1980s, his sculpture Reguarding Guardians of Art, finishes the external walls of National Museum Cardiff. It is a winged creature - part human and part animal – that brings together globally diverse ancient and modern influences as it symbolically protects culture and art in Wales. Born in Gujarat, India, Mistry’s work is inspired by cultures from across the globe. Taking ideas from India, to Egypt and Greece, and from folk art, ancient and contemporary narratives, his work reflects the different experiences of the world around us.
There are several ways that sculptors plan their work. In the national art collection at Amgueddfa Cymru, it is possible to see Mistry’s whole process, from his early sketches to the finished sculpture.
Sketching sculpture
This colourful study of the proposed sculpture for the East Wing Pavilion shows Mistry’s ideas starting to take shape. Almost like a comic book strip, this study tells the story of the sculpture from all angles. We can see how the artist has developed his ideas, from rough markings in wax crayon to more developed outlines and features in black ink.
What is a maquette?
A maquette is a sculptor's small initial model. This miniature version of the sculpture offers the opportunity for the artist to visualise their final make before diving in to create the large, full-scale version. It also gives the sculptor the chance to work out how they might approach making the work. This maquette by Mistry in carved wood and modelled in plaster, shows the artist’s intent, and also offers the opportunity to look right around the work, taking in all its details. It ensures that the 2D sketches work in the third dimension – the sculptors can adapt these models before working up a larger version.
A guardian
The figure, overlooking Park Place in Cardiff’s Cathays Park, acts as a guardian angel to those in its care. A protector and friend, his empty chair sits, waiting to welcome a visitor – another artist, perhaps?
Carys Tudor is Amgueddfa Cymru’s Digital Curator and has worked in the museum’s art department since 2021. With a background in communications, she is passionate about offering opportunities for all voices to share their knowledge and expertise, making all subjects relevant and engaging. Carys is also interested in depictions of recent social and industrial history through art.
MISTRY, Dhruva, Installation drawing for "Guardians of Art" © Dhruva Mistry, CBE RA/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales