ARZAN KHAMBATTA
Arzan gave the world a new terminology, ‘scraptures’. It came from Khambatta’s signature sculptures, where he used scrap metal to weld together works of art.
He studied to be an architect like his father, and even joined his father’s firm after graduation. But while still in school, he had been bitten by a bug after attending a vacation art class by artist Anand Mohan Naik at the workshop of the late sculptor, AdiDavierwala. Working on clay, paper mache and wood, Arzan discovered the joys of the different materials. But it was the scraps, the incomplete sculptures, the tools and books scattered around the sculptor’s studio, that cast a spell on Khambatta. So, despite holding an architect’s degree, Arzan decided to turn to sculpting. In 1983, he sold his first sculpture, the Horse Head, to the late architect, Dara Mistry. In 1993, he held his first solo exhibition at the Jehangir Gallery in Mumbai.
Arzan has stopped using scrap metal for his sculptures after 1996. He now sculpts from metal sheets, straps, rods and pipes that are twisted, beaten and textured to give the desired effect. But the name ‘scraptures’ still sticks on with Khambatta. Today, ArzanKhambatta’s works are found not only in private collections, but can also be seen in many public spaces and buildings.
Arzan Khambatta can no doubt understand the A-Class’ sculptural form better than most, but it doesn’t take a trained artist’s eye to appreciate the car’s evocative styling and design. You can think of the A-Class as a street-legal museum piece.
