Terracotta Universe by Himmat Shah: From Earth to the Soul

India, is a land of art and specially clay crafts have a very rich tradition that dates back more than a thousand years. The Indus Valley Civilization and Lothal’s clay pottery artefacts proved that there were skilled potters practising in ancient India. Pre historic terracotta crafts were the most recognizable and tangible elements of Indian art history. Now a day this terracotta tradition followed by lots of artists but there was one contemporary artist Himmat Shah who was the creator of whole universe of terracotta and took it to such heights where it become immortal. Himmat Shah is one of the India’s most acclaimed artists who is known for his redefining traditional art through his terracotta sculptures. His terracotta sculptures have an almost primitive appearance that mimics prehistoric iconography, perhaps growing up in his home town Lothal (Gujarat), contributed to the development of his signature style and his style shows his intense connection to lost civilization and culture. This research paper explores the rich terracotta traditional art of India from pre historic to modern. This study also investigates that how unconscious mind of Himmat shah added proto historic iconography in his sculptures. Terracotta was Shah’s favourite medium of expression, through this paper we will explore what played an important role in his life in making terracotta medium so special for him. Through this research paper we will also try to explain how Shah’s terracotta sculptures depict pre historic clay art qualities in the modern forms. Nevertheless, the paper highlights the journey of terracotta crafts in Indian art history and contribution of Himmat Shah’s terracotta sculptures in making this heritage international.