Subodh Gupta's Solo Exhibition 'A glass of Water' at Hauser & Wirth New York in 2011

Subodh Gupta presented his fourth New York solo exhibition, 'A glass of Water,' at Hauser & Wirth New York from May 5 to June 18, 2011, located at 32 East 69th Street. The show coincided with an outdoor sculpture display at the gallery's Amsterdam branch. Gupta, often compared to Damien Hirst for his rapid rise, diverges from Hirst's approach by focusing on elevating everyday objects into precious art. His work incorporates ubiquitous Indian items like tin thali sets, transforming them into dazzling installations that carry a postcolonial twist. Unlike artists such as Tony Cragg, whose arte povera pieces faced different receptions in India, Gupta avoids poverty aesthetics, instead magnifying discarded objects. His neo-pop style differs from Claes Oldenburg's vintage pop or Haim Steinbach's neo-conceptualism, while Richard Artschwager's formal concerns offer a closer parallel. Gupta emphasizes the intrinsic value and spirit of originals over the absurdity of found objects or surface purity. The exhibition featured works like 'Repose' (2011), a stainless steel sculpture measuring 29 x 102 x 50 inches. David Cohen reviewed the show, noting Gupta's role as a 'priest in the service of the god of small things,' highlighting his dignified integrity. Previous New York shows were held at Bose Pascia and Jack Shainman galleries.