Sculptor Niyamat Mehta: Melding Heritage, Emotion, and Modernity in Stone

At just 25, Niyamat Mehta has already carved a name for herself—quite literally—in the international art world. Born in 1999 and raised in New Delhi, her artistic journey has taken her from the serene foothills of the Himalayas to the Renaissance streets of Florence, and from the classrooms of London to the galleries of Venice. As the youngest artist to exhibit at the 2022 Venice Biennale, Mehta is a rising force in contemporary sculpture, known for her evocative, anatomically rich works that merge classical technique with surrealist influence.

Niyamat highlights her creative roots, her global journey, and the vision that drives her sculptural practice.

Niyamat, take us back to the beginning. How did sculpture first enter your life?

It started quite unexpectedly during my time at a boarding school in the Himalayas. I was surrounded by nature, silence, and the kind of introspection that isolation fosters. One of my mentors there introduced me to sculpting, and something clicked. It wasn’t just the tactile joy of working with clay—it was the way form and emotion could coexist in such a physical, permanent medium. I realized early on that this wasn’t just a creative outlet, it was a calling.

You later trained at the Florence Academy of Art. How did that experience shape your approach to sculpture?

Florence was transformative. To study in the birthplace of the Renaissance, under master sculptors like Jason Arkles, gave me a deep respect for traditional techniques. There’s a discipline in classical art that teaches you humility—it’s not just about vision but about relentless practice. I spent hours drawing from life, studying anatomy, understanding volume and proportion. That foundation still informs everything I do today.

From Florence to London—what drew you to study at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and how did that change your perspective?

After Florence, I felt the need to understand the ecosystem of art beyond just making it. At Sotheby’s, I immersed myself in art history, curation, and the business of art. It was a shift from chisels to concepts. While in London, I also began teaching at the London Fine Arts Studios, which brought me closer to the evolving language of contemporary and pop art. That fusion of tradition with modern sensibility began to take root in my work.

You’re now based out of New Delhi, London, and Dubai. How does working across these cities influence your art?

Each city brings its own rhythm. Delhi connects me to my roots, both culturally and spiritually. There’s a rawness and an ancient pulse here that I find grounding. London is where I engage with contemporary dialogues—new materials, new philosophies. And Dubai offers this fascinating intersection of innovation and tradition. Moving between these spaces helps keep my work dynamic and reflective of a truly global narrative.

Tell us about Atelier Della Firenze. What inspired you to start your own studio?

Atelier Della Firenze was born out of a desire to create a space that balances artistic rigor with creative freedom. It’s not just a studio—it’s a community. I wanted to bring the spirit of Florence to India, to foster a culture of classical training that also welcomes experimentation. We host lectures, masterclasses, and even collaborative projects. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to mentor young artists and provide the kind of guidance I once received.

Your sculptures often explore emotional depth and human anatomy. What themes do you return to again and again?

I’m fascinated by the duality of strength and vulnerability. My sculptures often portray the human form in moments of transition—grappling with identity, resilience, connection. Anatomy, to me, is not just about the body but about how emotion is embedded in posture, tension, and gesture. There’s a quiet storytelling in the way a figure holds itself. I draw heavily from surrealist masters like Dalí and Leonora Carrington, and I also find inspiration in Indian mythology and symbolism.

You’ve already shown at venues like the Venice Biennale and Kensington Town Hall. What was it like being the youngest artist at such a major international event?

It was surreal, to be honest. The Venice Biennale is such a storied space—being surrounded by artists I’ve long admired was both humbling and exhilarating. I didn’t take it as a personal achievement as much as a platform to represent a new voice in sculpture, one rooted in heritage but not confined by it. It affirmed that there’s room for work that bridges time periods and geographies.

Finally, what’s next for you?

I’m working on a new collection that explores the idea of “fragmented wholeness”—how we carry histories, trauma, and hope all at once. I’m also developing more programs at the Atelier to nurture upcoming talent. And of course, preparing for upcoming exhibitions in Europe and the Middle East. The journey is ongoing, and sculpture continues to teach me patience, persistence, and presence.

As she chisels stone and clay into deeply emotive works, Niyamat Mehta is not only shaping material—she’s sculpting a new narrative for global contemporary art, one that honors tradition while embracing evolution.

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