Vadodara, January 16: The backdrop is not a stark wall, but the bright, blue sky. Hanging in space are the artistic expressions of angst, enlightenment, human suffering and genesis. Presenting a non-conventional, multi-dimensional viewing, these are creations of 21 sculptors who claim to have put together the country’s first ‘Hanging Sculpture’ show. With the historical Kirti Mandir as its backdrop, these works are being displayed at Abhivyakti Art Gallery.

Apart from the multiplicity of views, the medium is diverse, too. Ceramic, fibre glass, metal, wood, bronze, cloth, paper and glass form a cohesive whole to bring forth the artist’s vision. ‘‘The floor as a base restricts the flow of imagination. Hanging sculptures help us to capture more dimensions. Every angle can present a different take,’’ explains Ahmedabad-based sculptor Artabandhu Rout, who has been creating hanging sculptures since 1985. ‘‘This kind of artwork brings more joy of discovery,’’ adds Rout, creator of famed ‘Holocaust.’ This time, he has worked on the theme peace — the key to heaven.

Availability of space is a major factor why these sculptors decided to go for this unusual form of display. ‘‘Sculptures demand a lot of floor space. At the same time, air space is not aptly used. Hanging these sculptures help in showcasing the lucidity in forms better,’’ explained Harshadrai Padiya, one of the curators for the exhibition.

Veteran sculptor Mahendra Pandya has used fibre glass to show a mangled form of skin and torn flesh. ‘‘This is what I see when I pass by the butcher shop. The only drawback is that I could not add smell to it,’’ he said. Similarly, Sumant Shetty, sculptor from Mumbai, has created a slaughtered man. ‘‘My work shows how one day human beings will fall prey to their selfishness and butcher themselves,’’ he explained.

Human suffering is the theme of Ranjitsinh Gaekwad’s work, too. ‘‘I have used metal to depict the dynamism of man pinned in a circle of human suffering,’’ he said.

Using stilted roots hanging from Banyan trees, Gagji Monpara has shown the budding of nature or genesis — in the form of sperm.

The terrible condition of a helpless man under the wrath of a tsunami wave has been captured in Apurba Nandi’s work. The upside down position and the blue complexion are symbolic of the sufferings of the disaster.

The price of these works vary from Rs 4,000 to Rs 55,000. ‘‘I have just learned that a quarter of the sale proceeds will be donated to tsunami victims,’’ said Ranjitsinh Gaekwad.