Pilloo Pochkhanawala

Pilloo Pochkhanawala (1 April 1923 – 7 June 1986) was among the first few women sculptors in India. Initially, she worked in advertising before going on to become a sculptor. Through her dynamic works, Pochkhanawala established herself as a pioneer of modern sculpture among her contemporaries. Her pieces were inspired by nature or often took the form of human figures. As a self-taught artist, she employed a variety of media in her artworks including metal, stone and wood among others. Her oeuvre includes intricate drawings, theatrical sets, although she is well known for her sculptures.

In addition to being an artist, Pochkhanawala was also a facilitator and mediator of the arts in Bombay. From the 1960s, she organized the Bombay Art Festival for many years. Along with her fellow artists, she also played a major role in transforming the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall into the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, which is now one of the country's leading museums housing contemporary art. Provided by Wikipedia