Harminder Judge's Plaster Works Channel Neo-Tantric Abstraction Through Material Alchemy
In 2014, Harminder Judge's artistic journey took a new direction when he purchased a dilapidated house near Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The three-year renovation process introduced him to plaster as a medium for sculpture. His current exhibition, Cliff and Cleft, is on display at Gathering in Ibiza until 22 December 2024, featuring cast-panel artworks and sculptures. By mixing pigment with wet plaster, Judge creates abstract pieces inspired by neo-tantric art. His technique includes pouring pigmented plaster into molds and layering for durability, with unsuccessful works being repurposed. In January, he will unveil his first significant institutional exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Previously, he showcased at Galerie PCP in Paris (2021), Pace in New York (2023), and held a dual exhibition in London this year, reflecting his spiritual and conceptual influences.
Key facts
- Harminder Judge's current exhibition Cliff and Cleft runs through 22 December 2024 at Gathering, Ibiza
- Judge purchased a derelict house near Rotherham, South Yorkshire in 2014, sparking his material exploration
- His first major institutional exhibition opens in January at the Cleveland Museum of Art
- Judge's work references neo-tantric art, a 1960s Indian movement combining ancient diagrams with abstraction
- He mixes pigment with wet plaster, pouring it into large moulds and manipulating for symmetrical compositions
- Failed works are broken down and incorporated into new pieces, creating a cyclical practice
- Judge participated in his great uncle's funeral in Punjab, India at age fourteen, influencing his material philosophy
- Previous exhibitions include shows at Galerie PCP in Paris (2021), Pace in New York (2023), and London venues earlier this year
Entities
Artists
- Harminder Judge
- Agnes Pelton
- Mark Rothko
Institutions
- Gathering
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Galerie PCP
- Pace
- Matt's Gallery
- The Sunday Painter
- ArtReview
Locations
- Ibiza
- Spain
- Rotherham
- South Yorkshire
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- New York
- United States
- London
- Cleveland
- Punjab
- India
- Peak District