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Narrative Metal Sculptures: Figurative and Symbolic Forms

byHitesh GilderInstalls across Mumbai Metropolitan AreaStarts from60,000 Per ArtworkView full gallery

I sculpt metal into stories. From spiritual icons to human connections, these figurative pieces bring narrative depth and symbolic meaning to your living space.

"The Bond," a freestanding sculpture in stainless steel, seen here at the entrance to a gallery. Its form is an abstract representation of a mother and child's embrace.

A close-up of the top of "The Bond," where the two forms connect, crafted from bent and polished steel.

This detail shot shows the clean, flowing lines and the mirror-like finish of the stainless steel used in "The Bond."

"Eternal Grace," a freestanding sculpture in mirror-polished stainless steel that reflects the strength and sensitivity of womanhood.

Standing with my sculpture "Eternal Grace" at the Acetech exhibition. The piece reflects the vibrant colors of its surroundings.

Here I am with my sculpture "Eclipse," a freestanding piece that combines a rustic Corten steel base with a reflective, crumpled stainless steel top.

"Eclipse" on display at the India Art Festival, showing how the transient nature of an eclipse can be captured in a permanent form.

The sculpture stands tall in the exhibition hall, its reflective surface catching the light.

Another view of "Eclipse" at the art fair, a piece that contrasts raw, weathered steel with a highly polished, modern form.

My sculpture "Eclipse" on display at a group show at the Audi Mumbai South showroom.

About Narrative Sculptures: Figurative & Symbolic Forms

When I sculpt figures, such as a mother's embrace or a symbolic form, the mirror-polished stainless steel does more than hold a shape. It catches the light and the movement of the room around it. The figure is not just sitting there. It is constantly changing as people walk past, making the story feel alive in your foyer or living area.

People often ask why I choose stainless steel for figurative work. The answer lies in the dialogue between the rigid metal and the soft, organic stories I want to tell. Shaping a recognizable form, whether it is a hand, a face, or a spiritual icon, requires a different kind of discipline than abstract work. You have to capture the essence of the emotion without over-detailing, leaving room for the material’s natural, fluid surface to breathe.

My figurative pieces, such as 'The Bond,' are designed to be focal points. Whether it is a mother-child connection or the raw energy of a bull, these sculptures serve as anchors in a room. I often work with clients to translate personal narratives into these forms. Maybe you want a piece that represents a specific spiritual belief, like my modern interpretations of Ganpati, or a work that highlights the strength of womanhood, like 'Eternal Grace.'

When we collaborate, the process starts with understanding the symbolism that matters to you. We look at the space where the piece will live. We consider the way natural light enters, the color palette of your walls, and the surrounding furniture. My goal is to ensure the sculpture does not just fill a corner, but sparks a conversation. Because I hand-fold every piece, there are no molds involved, meaning your sculpture remains a singular expression, never to be exactly replicated.

Hand-crafted metal art installed across IndiaApproved by the tribe
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Hitesh Gilder

Installs across Mumbai Metropolitan AreaStarts from 60,000 Per Artwork

I am Hitesh. I spent years in the business world before finding my true voice in the art of metal casting. Now, I focus on creating sculptures that move, reflect, and tell a story, working closely with you to bring a piece of art that feels truly yours.