Metalwork has been an integral part of India’s artistic legacy. From brass carving to intricate copper vessels, artists have often turned daily objects into preserved masterpieces. Among them is the designer-turned-artist, Jenjum Gadi, a visionary redefining the craftsmanship of brass. Hailing from Tirbin, Arunachal Pradesh, Jenjum Gadi, launched his second exhibition, Transcendent Memories, paying homage to traditions and spirituality.
On view from 28th to 31st March 2025 at Bikaner House, Delhi, the exhibition showcases his mastery of repoussé and chasing techniques in brass, reinterpreting Pichwai paintings in a contemporary sculptural language.
Jenjum Gadi’s Creative Evolution:
A graduate from Wigan and Leigh College, New Delhi, Jenjum Gadi is one of the most celebrated Fashion Designers of the North-East. His treasure is his curious heart- always kindling him to take a leap and explore.
That’s when the Covid pandemic had hit- an uncertain yet transformative time for everyone. Starting with embroidery with raw and linen silks, he gained recognition for his detailed finesse. However, it was his interaction with the artisans of his hometown that led to an exciting pursuit- Brasswork.
“I wanted to explore how tradition can evolve without losing its essence. Brass, like fabric, carries stories, it can be moulded, textured, and inscribed with meaning,” adds Jenjum Gadi.
This fueled his journey to the ‘Transcendent Memories’ – a beautiful amalgamation of repousse and chasing on brass, creating pieces that last forever.
Reinterpreting Pichwai through Brass:
What makes this exhibition remarkable is its timeless essence, observed both in the inspiration and the material. Jenjum Gadi paired Brass with the heritage of India- the Pichwai Art, reflecting upon the stories of Lord Krishna and nature. By sculpting these narratives into brass with 3D repoussé and chasing, his artworks speak of nostalgia and spirituality.
“This series is my way of preserving memories, both personal and collective, through a material that holds permanence, much like the traditions that inspire me”, says artist Jenjum Gadi.
The exhibition also builds on his previous collection, ‘Apase- From my Mother’s Garden’, launched in 2024. There he introduced grand yet detailed, fruit cast motifs—a recurring element that is observed in the ‘Transcendent Memories’, carrying his signature style.
A Timeless Legacy:
Alongside his brass works, the ‘Transcendent Memories’, also features a curated selection of artefacts from Vayu – Design for Living, highlighting India’s rich lineage of textiles, metalwork. Vayu, stands as a concept boutique showcasing the best of Indian crafts, connecting the past with the present.
Through his art, Jenjum Gadi transforms brass into a canvas of creativity, preserving the rich heritage in a contemporary swirl.
